Not so long ago the back garden of 25 Mather Road North was full of climbing frames and toys; now it has been transformed into a grownup space - a formal garden with a statue of a strapping Roman male taking centre stage.

The statue is affectiontely known as "The Swimmer" by the owners who use him as a place to hang their goggles. It was bought at a local garden centre some years ago.

The Old Mould Company sells smaller Grecian statues, that can be placed on plinths. Half life-size, the statues cost €110 and the plinths €110. Tel 01 2812161. Sheppard's of Durrow has a fine white marble statue of Diana in its forthcoming antiques auction. The estimate is €4,000 to €6,000. Tel 057 8736546. The owner designed the garden herself with a Roman classical theme, bay trees, clematis , laurel trees.