Mural reflects respect, pride and teamwork

A STRIKING mural was unveiled in Coláiste de hÍde on Wednesday, January 18, marking the culmination of several months of collaborative work between the students and a local artist.

The vibrant artwork encompasses the many facets of school life in Coláiste de hÍde, such as music, sports and art, with a strong emphasis on the Irish language.

The project was devised by Transition Year students from the school, professional graffiti artist Kevin Bohan, who is from Old Bawn, and local art company Creative Connections.

Conchubhair Mac Ghloinn, principal of Coláiste de hÍde, told The Echo: “Last year’s Transition Year students took part in a series of workshops on street art and graffiti design with Creative Connections and the talented artist Kevin Bohan.

“There was extensive planning and discussion regarding the theme, and the collaboration between the artist and the students was paramount in creating the magnificent piece in the heart of the school.

“The full year group was involved in the conceptual stages of idea-generation and design development.

Paraic, Adrian agus Conchúr at the unveiling of the mural

“The three school values: Meas – Bród – Comhar (Respect, Pride and Teamwork), are illustrated magnificently through the mural.

“The emphasis on our language, and the pride the school community has for the Irish language, is to the fore in the mural.”

The launch of the mural last week was a celebratory affair for the school, where the school thanked the Tallaght Fund/Síol Foundation for funding the art piece.

Senator Lynn Ruane was also thanked for her support of the project, and the artwork is now a permanent and uplifting feature of the Coláiste de hÍde school building.

Mr Mac Ghloinn added: “The launch of the mural gave us a fantastic insight to the journey the students went on in creating the fantastic mural.

“It depicts the strengths, talents and values we have in Coláiste de hÍde. “It illustrates our uniqueness and the importance of the Irish language in our lives.”

Commenting on the overall result of the project, he said: “I’m very proud of our students and the respect, pride and teamwork they showed right throughout this project.

“They have certainly left their mark on the school and the mural will be a reminder to everyone who passes through our doors of who we are, and what values are to the fore in what we do.”