Magnificent mural lights up the Mulkear

School children got the chance to show off their artistic talents when they put the finishing touches to a mural under the bridge in Annacotty on Tuesday.

Pupils from Lios Na Groi National School got involved in the project, which was thought up by river restoration group MulkearLIFE and the Annacotty Tidy Town Committee.

Ruairi Ó Concúír, of MulkearLIFE explained what the mural displays.

“It’s a visual representation of what wild life there is in the river.

“There’s lots of wild life in the area, which can often be seen passing through the Mulkear and the artwork shows this.”

The product of over two weeks work, the mural is a vibrant display of animals which are seen in the area; among them swans, otters and salmon.

Lios Na Groi National School got involved after contact was made with the father of fifth-class pupil Rory O’ Neill, who works with Inland Fisheries, a partner of MulkearLIFE.

Setting aside their books for the day, the students donned their winter wear and made the short trek from the school to the banks of the river, where they busily went about their duties.

Under the supervision of mural artist Neil O’ Dwyer, the children sketched with chalk fish, birds, invertebrates, river features and mammals.

Fifth-class teacher Kieran Scanlon oversaw the student’s work and said they were more than happy to help out.

“They’re always talking about the painting and how great it looks.

“They pass the bridge every day and they had seen the work that was going on over the past two weeks so they were delighted to get the chance to give a hand.

“They’ve learnt so much too about the area, just from being involved,” he said.Members of the Annacotty Tidy Town Committee, including Chairperson Yvonne Fogarty thanked the children for their efforts.

The committee only reformed in April and entered the competition in May, where they achieved a respectable score.