The CATA Monster
During ALL's research on water, in Ireand and Limerick, we researched Irish myths and legends, and reports of river monster sightings in the River Shannon in 1922. ALL decided to re-contextualise and modernize these myths to re-engage the public with the river Shannon, using viral videos, social media, local Limerick newspapers and local Limerick radio. It was ALL's intention to utilise multiple and various mediums for the dissemination of CATA to reach a broad an audience as possible.
Watch the videos on our Video page
The Myth of Cata
The Shannon reputedly hosts a river monster named Cata, first appearing in the Book of Lismore, an ancient Irish Manuscript. In this manuscript we are told that Senan, patron saint of County Clare, went to seek the monster "to place it in which it abode" (Inis Cathaig = Scattery Island).
Cata is described as a large monster with a horse's mane, gleaming eyes, thick feet, nails of iron and a whale's tail. Numerous sightings have been reported, notably that of Captain Shaw and his crew, reported in newspapers in Limerick in July 1922.
Source: wikipedia.com
Public Intervention
ALL modernized these myths and folklore to re- engage the public with the river Shannon, using viral videos, social media, local newspapers and local radio.
In May 2012 ALL staged a public interaction, distributing leaflets about the CATA sightings to the public. These leaflets held information about the proposed sightings and local history, and posed FIVE different questions to the public (see Public Studios) about water in the river Shannon in Limerick city, and how this might affect the river monster Cata.
Online Intervention
ALL created a series of online youtube videos, of sightings of 'something' in the water in the river Shannon in various location around Limerick city. These videos were shared via Facebook and Twitter sites, and aimed to create online discussion and dialogue about the river in Limerick city.
ALL then created a series of mockumentary interviews with the witnesses of the proposed monster sightings. This video was then screened outdoors onto a public street on two consecutive evenings, as part of CAT DIG 2012, an annual arts festival in Limerick city.
