Kerry Walls Project – All Part of the Creative Ireland Kerry Programme.

A gathering at the the Sliabh Luachra Culture and Heritage Centre in Scartaglin as the final touches were being put to the mural. John and Nora Walsh, Sliabh Luachra Drama Group pictured with Garreth Joyce and Lukas Dwan, mural artists; Tom Fleming, representing Handed Down Concert and Lecture Programme; Liam Delaney, mural artist and Kerry County Council Arts Officer, Kate Kennelly. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Kerry County Council Arts Officer, Kate Kennelly pictured with locals: Sheila Hannon and Mary Walsh, Castleisland Tidy Towns and Michael John Kearney, site owner and Castleisland Chamber Alliance chairman. Back row: Lukas Dwan, mural artist; Michael Murphy and Magda Karol, mural artist at the site of the Market Cross mural on Monday afternoon. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Look at that: A gathering in Scartaglin to witness the final touches being put to the mural on the gable wall of the Sliabh Luachra Culture and Heritage Centre by artists: Garreth Joyce and Liam Delaney. Witnesses include: John Walsh, Sliabh Luachra Drama Group; Tom Fleming, Handed Down Concert and Lecture Programme; Nora Walsh, Sliabh Luachra Drama Group; Kerry County Council Arts Officer Kate Kennelly and Lukas Dwan, mural artist. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Kerry County Council Arts Officer, Kate Kennelly pictured with mural artists Lukas Dwan and Magda Karol and Michael John Kearney, site owner and Castleisland Chamber Alliance chairman on the remains of the old boundary wall between Nellie Murphy’s and Hannie Cullinane’s shops at the site of the Market Cross Mural in Castleisland. ©Photograph: John Reidy

As part of Creative Ireland Kerry 2020, and supported by the stimulus fund announced by Deputy Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media on July 24th 2020, The Walls Project has completed its final two murals in Castleisland and Scartaglen.

The Walls Project, best known for managing the ground-breaking Waterford Walls Festival since 2015, has been working with Kerry County Council Arts Office, Creative Ireland Kerry and Killarney and Castleisland and Corca Dhuibhne Municipal Districts to bring art to prominent locations in Killarney, Castleisland and Scartaglen.

Great Additions to Castleisland and Scart

‘The Creative Ireland stimulus fund allowed for creative place making and the ask for murals, relevant to local places, came from across municipal districts,’ said Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer, Kerry County Council.

Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Seamus Cosai Fitzgerald said that the murals are a great addition to Castleisland and Scartaglin.

“They both pay homage to the rich cultural identity of the two places and will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

“I’m delighted that they have been funded through the Creative Ireland Kerry programme administered by Kerry County Council,” said Cllr. Fitzgerald.

Key Aspects of Heritage and Culture

Chairman of Castleisland Chamber Alliance, Michael John Kearney had requested that KCC consider a mural that would depict key aspects of Castleisland’s heritage and living culture.

The Tidy Towns committee assisted with content priorities and the mural depicts the Castle of Castleisland, its market town tradition, musical heritage, and sporting traditions of badminton, rugby, football and soccer.

The chamber and Tidy Towns wish to thank all landowners for their assistance in accessing the site.

“The mural has greatly enhanced the town and everyone I have spoken to agrees it has helped to lift spirits,” said Sheila Hannon, of Castleisland Tidy Towns.

The Impressions in Scartaglen

“We were really looking forward to seeing it finished,” said Nora Walsh of the Scartaglin Culture and Heritage Centre.

“The mural visualises the tradition and culture of our area and it has enhanced the beauty of our quaint village,” said Nora.

Different Elements in Scart Mural

PJ Teahan explains the different elements of the mural, which is on the gable wall of the Scartaglin Culture and Heritage Centre: “Pádraig O’Keeffe teaching the pupils reflects the Handed Down Series and the accordionist and dancers are a memory of the days of the féile cheoil.

“The scene from Sive by John B. Keane reflects the strong drama tradition in the village.

“The music sheet is from an O’Keeffe manuscript which belonged to Scartaglin local Josephine Reidy. The beagle and the hills complete a scene from bygone days in the village life,” said PJ.

Project Delighted with Installations

The Walls Project is delighted with the installation of the final two mural artworks in Kerry by Irish artists Garreth Joyce and Magdalena Karol,’ said Edel Tobin, Creative Director of The Walls Project.

“With Covid19 restrictions it has taken a bit longer than usual to deliver the project. I think everyone will agree it was worth the wait,” she said.

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