Wexford school unveils mural dedicated to marine life – ‘I’ve genuinely been inspired by you all’

A two-year project which saw pupils, teachers and staff work alongside local artists was unveiled to the public for the first time at Our Lady of Fatima School. Decorating the walls surrounding the school’s playground, this maritime mural was part of a project run in conjunction with Creative Schools and its associate Laura Ní Fhlaibhin.

It saw local artists Emma Roche and Heba Haj Habo work alongside students to create a mural which depicts a world which is synonymous with Co Wexford. Featuring images of marine life, ceramic fish created by the pupils, and elaborate paintings, the mural was very much a collaborative effort the school said, with contributions coming from a number of creatives.

Principal at Our Lady of Fatima’s, Glenda McKeown praised both Laura and teacher Natasha Harney for their work in putting the project together, before Natasha spoke about the processes involved.

“I’m shocked at how quickly those two years have flown by, but also I’m blown away by what we, as a school community, have accomplished in that time,” she said. “In order for our ideas to come to fruition we relied upon the talents of Wexford-based artists, Wexford County Council, artist Emma Roche for facilitating workshops in the school, Ciara Roche who created the mural, and Sylvia Cullen who collaborated with students to create an audio story which will be playing on the intercom later today.”

Describing Laura as a “pleasure to work with”, Natasha also paid tribute to Richie for painting the wall before work on the mural began.

Following a presentation of flowers and chocolate to Laura, she addressed the students and staff.

“You’ve all been so positive, it’s been such a welcoming school to come into, I’ve genuinely been inspired by you all and have the utmost respect for everything you do here,” she said. “It’s great to see everything that you’ve done come together, it’s great to see the finished work, and you can show it off to all your families now when they come to visit.”

Continuing the celebratory world, the school choir then led everyone in a musical medley of maritime-themed songs with Yellow Submarine proving especially popular with listeners.

The Creative Schools initiative supports schools to put the arts and creativity at the heart of children’s and young people’s lives. This initiative provides opportunities for children and young people to build their artistic and creative skills; to communicate, collaborate, stimulate their imaginations, be inventive, and to harness their curiosity.

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