Monagea GAA Mural Project asks people to ‘Never Give Up’

Monagea GAA Mural Project ‘Never Give Up’ pictured above

The project aimed promote young people’s holistic well-being through creativity and connecting with other young people

Monagea GAA Mural Project, ‘Never Give Up’ was about friendship, fun, and leadership. The youth artists involved were between the ages of 10- 12 years. ‘Monagea Mural’ project is a Foróige Creative Learning Hub 2022 street art initiative which is sponsored by the Monagea GAA.

“They were dedicated from the start,” said Elaine Williams Foróige Youth Worker. 

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“They were always enthusiastic. Joe Murphy, Assistant Secretary of the GAA approached me last year and asked would Foróige do a project and that’s where it all began! Young people from outside the area who also live in rural West Limerick got to be involved too’. It is all about making street art accessible for young people to express themselves in their community and to show at sure a young age what you can do’ Young people learn so much about planning and teamwork. The GAA in Monagea really cares about young people’s holistic development. The young people really enjoyed this project, they got to meet up and hang out while doing a project that will enhance an area in their community.”

The hub for West Limerick is based in Newcastle Wests Market Yard. An initiative developed by young people for creative meet ups and a space to work on individual and collective projects.

“The GAA pitch is at the back entrance to Monagea National school so a lot of parents park there and will see it,” said Grace Mullane, aged 11 years old, one of the artists.

The Monagea GAA Mural project forms part of a rural connectivity initiative that connected young people from rural areas in west Limerick to meet each other. It took place over the summer at the Foróige youth centre, Newcastle West, and Monagea GAA pitch.

“Young people were involved in all aspects of the planning”, said Justina Cepenaite, Foróige Youth Worker. 

“It was a chance for them to meet up, get creative and connect with their community. They have been meeting on average once a week over the summer holidays, to plan, learn and practice new techniques, it’s been a lot of fun, all working together to come up with a design and to see beyond the limitations of function to bring their vision to life. We held a consultation session in Monagea national school and the 5^th & 6^th class pupils submitted their ideas and drawings as to what they would like to see on the wall. GAA came out as no.1, farming no.2, and community as no.3.”

This project aims to promote young people’s holistic well-being through creativity while contributing, and connecting to their community. This is part of a larger exhibition of work being displayed as part of Culture Night at the Red Door, The Square, Newcastle West.

Thank you to all the artists involved especially Juilet Ambrose (11 yrs), Marcus Dowling  (10 yrs),  Michelle Browne (12 yrs), Ella Culhane (11yrs) Lauren Toomey (11yrs), Grace Mullane (11 yrs) (Newcastle West), Juliet Ambrose (Kilmeedy), Marcus Dowling(Knockaderry) all from West Limerick Area, ages 10-12 years old.

For more stories on Art go HERE 

For more info on Culture Night 2022 go HERE