New Ross Walls initiative to have Norman theme
A plan to transform walls throughout New Ross with colourful Norman themed art is being finalised.
The naming of the initiative was the source of debate at the recent New Ross Municipal District meeting at which
Cllr Michael Whelan welcomed the plan, asking if local artists will be used to paint the artworks.
District director Eamonn Hore said Waterford Walls hire artists of international and national renown.
Mr Hore said he prefers the name New Ross Walls, adding that Arts Officer Liz Burns is involved and a brief has been drawn up for Waterford Walls. ‘I think for the money it will have a huge impact. There are some really prominent gables.’
Turning to his party colleague county council chairman Cllr Michael Sheehan, Cllr Michael Whelan said, with a wry smile: ‘You can only improve the gable end of the Bumblebee (pub),’ referring to the big Michael Sheehan poster that adorns it.
District manager Mick McCormack said there will be a Norman theme, adding that artists are being given discretion and can consider old and new Norman historical contexts.
‘It’s a loose brief that they can interpret. We will be going back to shop owners and showing them the suggestions.’
The location of the wall artworks are: ‘Dunnes car park’ on the quay, Breen’s gable end wall, Deegan’s, at Brennan’s Lane, JD North’s and Hilary Murphy Travel’s wall.
Cllr Pat Barden enquired if there will be a Norman or a Kennedy theme.
Cllr Sheehan wondered if Norman Wisdom will feature, or Norman Tennett, tongue firmly in cheek.
Mr Hore said New Ross is the key destination of the Norman Way and that is why the Norman theme was chosen. ‘It’s not a trail. It’s about how 33 per cent of Wexford names are of Norman origin,’ adding that the Fitzgeralds – who are connected to the Kennedy family – are also Norman.
Cllr Sheehan asked if a local artist can contact someone about getting involved.