A stone guitar will soon stand proud in Letterkenny Town Park as a lasting tribute to the late great musician Ted Ponsonby.
A cheque for €5,570 was handed over today to award-winning local sculptor Redmond Herrity, allowing work to begin on a landmark feature for the park’s new performance space.
The sculpture will overlook the new Ted Ponsonby area of the park, which is nearing completion, and will be named in honour of the legendary musician who sadly passed in 2023.
Just as Ted inspired young musicians to learn their first chords, it is hoped that this space will give artists a place to find their feet, grow their sound and gain local support.
Redmond has designed a 6ft sculpture from Kilkenny limestone based on one of Ted’s own guitars. It will include a viewing hole for people to have their photograph taken through.
“It will be polished black and will stand out well,” said Redmond.
“It will be here for Ted’s grandchildren’s grandchildren to see.”
Redmond will travel to a quarry this week to source the stone, after which he expects the sculpture to take around three months to complete.
Don Ponsonby and Redmond Herrity at the proposed setting for the sculpture in memory of Ted Ponsonby, beside a new arts space to be named in honour of Ted at Letterkenny Town Park. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
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The cheque presentation was attended by Ted’s brother Don, cousin Eamon, the Mayor of Letterkenny, Ciaran Brogan, Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh, Councillor Gerry McMonagle, Councillor Tomás Seán Devine and council staff.
Cllr Kavanagh, who first proposed to Donegal County Council that the performance area be named after Ted, said: “It’s a lovely way to remember Ted, it’s a tribute to him and his family, and equally I think it’s a great addition to the park. We are hoping to see it used for music and artistic events when it gets going. I think it will enhance the park greatly.”
Cllr Kavanagh has also proposed that the council relocate the bandstand canopy at Market Square Letterkenny to the Ted Ponsonby space when regeneration works begin, preserving another piece of the town’s musical heritage.
Cllr Kavanagh also thanked Town Gardener David Donnelly, James Conaghan and James Gallagher for their work on the project.
The funds for the sculpture were raised during a sold-out tribute concert for Ted, held at An Grianán Theatre during Letterkenny Trad Week 2026. The concert was organised by Ted’s family and featured performances by well-known local musicians, including a standout appearance by Ted’s daughter, Sarah.
Formerly of Oldtown, Ted dedicated his life to music and to helping young musicians in the area. A multi-genre musician, his career spanned more than six decades. He was a member of many bands, including The Rascals, The Denver Show Band and the brilliantly named The Famesuckers, and shared the stage with Van Morrison, Frances Black, Tommy Fleming, Kieran Goss, Freddie White and Sean Keane, to name just a few.
On behalf of the Ponsonby family, Don thanked everyone who supported the fundraiser.
He said: “On behalf of the Ponsonby family, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone that participated, attended the concert, made donations and helped make this fundraiser a huge success.
“The money raised will go towards the Arts and Performance area in the Letterkenny town park depicting a sculpture in honour of Ted.
“People are invited to visit the park when all is completed to sit and ponder on your memories of Ted Ponsonby and the legacy he has left behind.”
Redmond Herrity and Don Ponsonby look over the soon to be completed Ted Ponsonby performance space in Letterkenny’s Bernard McGlinchey Town Park. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
The family also thanked photographers Eamon Ponsonby and Geraldine Diver, An Grianan Theatre and its staff, Hughey Boyle on sound, Sam on lighting, and the sponsors of the draw: Conways, Ramelton; Kernan’s, Ramelton; Mac’s Deli, Letterkenny; Maryline Ponsonby; The Natural Way, Letterkenny; and Caroline and John Meehan.