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Mysterious Mural Unveiled On Landmark Laois Building

Wednesday, 8 June 2022 10:35

Photo Credit and artist: Ciarán Dunlevy

It received lots of attention from locals admiring the piece coming together as well as speculation on what is being depicted.  

A former hotel and landmark in a midlands town has got a makeover.

There has been a lot intrigue over the last few weeks as renowned mural artist, Ciarán Dunlevy has been working on a large artwork that spans the three floors of the old County Hotel, Portlaoise.

Locals have been enjoying watching the beautiful piece come together and speculating on what is being depicted.   

A new artistic tribute to one of Ireland’s most formidable mythological warriors has appeared on the facade of the old hotel, which has been lying idle and derelict for years.

The mural, depicts the scene on the one day that Fionn Mac Cumhail's mother came to see him in secret, set in the woodlands surrounding Glenbarrow Waterfall.  

It was commissioned by Laois County Council and supported by the Portlaoise Municipal District Office, and honours the ancient legendary figure, who grew up in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Co. Laois.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the piece, Dunlevy says;

“When local poet Laura Murphy shared her new poem with me, I was intrigued. As well as learning that Fionn spent his formative years in Laois, I also became aware that he was nurtured and trained by women. When Laura read the lines honouring the three women that made Fionn Mac Cumhail, the scene of the mural instantly appeared in my imagination and I thought we need to honour these women on a wall.” 

Muireann Ní Chonaill, Laois Arts Officer says;

“This mural brings a vibrant, magical energy to Portlaoise’s Main Street. It is wonderful to see this visual artist’s response to the work of our local poet Laura Murphy. Ciarán has done a wonderful job in honouring Fionn and the women who made him.”

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