Students from Claddagh National School unveiled a large mural yesterday at an event attended by players from Galway United’s men’s and women’s squads.
The mural, funded by Claddagh Credit Union, was tailor-made to reflect the students’ talents and interests.
The pupils created the impressive artwork with local artists Birgit and Peter Lochmann, and CÚRAM researchers at University of Galway were on hand to give the students art science workshops.
In keeping with the school’s love of football, the mural was installed on the Astro pitch and features the late Eamonn ‘Chick’ Deacy, a Galway football legend.
Through the CÚRAM researchers’ workshops, the students learned how scientists use marine-inspired materials to discover ways of developing cures to treat various illnesses.
This helped illustrate the importance of keeping our oceans healthy to keep our bodies healthy as well.
Players from the Galway United men’s and women’s squads: Conor O’Keeffe, Mikie Rowe, Abbie Callanan, Anna Fahey.
Mark Langtry (‘Mark the Science Guy’) also performed his ‘Football Physics’ show to teach students how science can enhance their sports performance.
Gabriel Farragher, 6th class teacher at Claddagh National School, said: “We were delighted to participate in the project as it provided the pupils with an exciting opportunity to get involved in hands-on, cross-curricular workshops, on a weekly basis, incorporating the areas of Science and Art.
“The football angle added an even greater interest in the project for the pupils. The icing on the cake is the colourful mural that now brightens up our Astro pitch.”
Louise Shields, CEO of Claddagh Credit Union, said: “With community at the centre of this incredible project, reflecting community at the heart of our credit union, we were delighted to support this mural project.
“We are so impressed to see the outcome of this collaboration in the mural in Claddagh National School.”
Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director of CÚRAM, said: “We are always trying new ways for our researchers to collaborate with community partners to create a better understanding and awareness of our research and its importance for society.
“This collaboration with the Claddagh Credit Union and students of the Claddagh National School promotes the idea of transdisciplinary research and showcases the value of bringing the worlds of art and science together.”
