New riverfront mural in Carrick-on-Suir celebrates town's heritage and nature
The Tides of Time mural was painted on the wall of a Tirlán building in Carrickbeg by Australian artist Fintan Magee
A large mural depicting scenes symbolic of Carrick-on-Suir has transformed the appearance of a formerly drab section of Carrick-on-Suir’s river front.
The new Tides of Time mural (pictured right) has turned the back wall of the Tirlán building along the river’s south bank in Carrickbeg into an artwork bursting with colour.
The public artwork was created by celebrated Australian painter and muralist Fintan Magee and commissioned by the Explore Carrick-on-Suir tourism initiative.
The mural features flowers and plants found along the river bank in the town including Marsh Marigold, Water Forget Me Not, Purple Loosestrife and Fleabane. Overlaid on the flower painting are three black and white images of cot fishing boats on the river, horses pulling boats along the river towpath and Ormond Castle.
Carrick-on-Suir Commercial & Tourism Manager Sarah Jane Cleary said the mural celebrates the deep connection between Carrick-on-Suir’s people, their heritage and the River Suir that shapes their identity.
“This beautiful and meaningful work is the first public expression of what is to come with the Tides of Time project at Carrick-on -Suir Heritage Centre. The mural is an invitation for everyone to pause, to look closer and to rediscover the stories of our place through art.”
Fintan Magee generously shared his skills and experience with students from the town’s Comeragh College during his time in Carrick painting the Tides of Time mural. The students proudly contributed to the early stages of the art work.
“It has been an honour to spend time in Carrick-on-Suir and become immersed in the life of this place,” said the Brisbane artist, who has created public artworks in over 30 countries.
“Meeting the storytellers, the students and the people who love this town has shown how powerful creativity can be when it is shared.
“I have felt genuinely uplifted by the warmth and pride in the community and I am grateful to have contributed to a new chapter in its story,” Mr Magee added.