PHOTOS: School paints large mural at train station in Newbridge, County Kildare

Students with St Conleth's Community College have painted a large, colourful mural on the wall of Newbridge Train Station.

Principal Patricia O'Brien told the Leader that Fine Gael councillor Peggy O'Dwyer, on behalf of Newbridge Access Group, approached the school back in March to ask if the school would like to be involved in a project with Iarnród Éireann, in order to create a Mural on the wall of the station.

Following a planning meeting with Paul Stanley and Joanne Bissett of Iarnród Éireann, the project got the green light.

Ms O'Brien elaborated: "Six Junior Cycle students volunteered: Aaron Clarke, Leah Hayden, Victoria Liskowska, Ava Murray, Saphia Owen Jones and Holly Whiteley. 

"They participated in four workshops after school on Wednesdays in April and May with artists Arububu and Artur of 'Signs by One.' Aru and Artur started with the History of Street Art to give the students an understanding of the work they were about to do.

"They guided the students through the process developing the art concept which was infused with the students’ knowledge of the area and its history."

She said that the students decided on an Art Nouveau Style influenced by the Czech artist Alfons Mucha, while also incorporating a biodiversity theme, which included many animals the students had noticed in their local area.

Then, on one of the hottest weekends, the May 27 and 28, they all sketched and painted the above amazing mural and the students continued painting after school each evening of the following week to complete the project. 

Ms O'Brien continued: "Some final touch ups were completed in the last week or so, as a number of the students were doing exams in June, and Aru was out of action following a cycling accident; we wish her well."

"We are extremely grateful to have been involved in this project and very proud of the students for the hard work and talent they displayed. 

"It is a fantastic achievement for them, to be able to say: 'We did that'. 

"Their work will brighten peoples’ days as they walk to the station every morning."

"Congratulations to all involved," she concluded.