A city councillor in Cork, Ireland has proposed building what could become the “world’s smallest public statue” — dedicated to a mosquito believed to have played a role in the death of English military leader Oliver Cromwell.
Green Party councillor Oliver Moran suggested the unusual monument as part of Cork City Council’s public art strategy. The tiny statue would honor the insect that local legend claims bit Cromwell during his military campaign in Ireland in the 1600s, eventually leading to him contracting malaria, once referred to as “Cork fever.”
Moran said the miniature statue could even be placed on an empty plinth outside Cork City Hall.
Tiny insect, huge historical impact
Oliver Cromwell remains one of the most controversial figures in Irish history due to the brutal Cromwellian campaigns carried out in Ireland during the 17th century. According to Moran, many people in Ireland associate Cromwell with violence and military invasions that killed large numbers of people.
The councillor said the idea first came to him after seeing discussions online about Cromwell and his time in Ireland.
He explained that someone jokingly wondered why Cork had never built a statue honoring the mosquito believed to have contributed to Cromwell’s death. Moran said he immediately thought it would make a great public monument idea.
While historians cannot prove a specific mosquito caused Cromwell’s illness, Moran noted that Cromwell is believed to have died from malaria or a related illness after his Irish campaign.
He admitted the story may be more legend than historical fact, but believes that is part of its charm.
“It tells a story of the downfall of tyrants and how something tiny can bring down the powerful,” Moran said.
Councillor says the novelty could attract tourists
Moran believes the unusual idea could become a fun tourist attraction for Cork.
He joked that the monument would “definitely” be the smallest public statue in the world if approved. He also revealed that artists have already sent him sketches and drawings imagining what the famous mosquito could look like.
The proposal comes as Cork City Council develops a broader public art strategy. Moran said many public art suggestions focus on famous Irish revolutionary figures, but he wants to introduce more creative and unexpected ideas that reflect the city’s long and unusual history.
More unusual monument ideas suggested
The mosquito proposal is not Moran’s first unconventional monument idea.
He has also suggested commemorating Tnugdalus, an Irish knight from the 1100s whose alleged near-death vision after a drinking binge in Cork supposedly influenced Europe’s modern image of hell — including demons, pitchforks and lakes of fire.
Another proposal from Moran would honor Mary Delaney, a well-known Irish Traveller folk singer who lived in Cork for many years.
For now, the mosquito statue remains only a proposal, but Moran said the strong public reaction shows people enjoy public art ideas that are both historical and humorous.
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