Our School Mural by Paul Bokslag!

Through Creative Schools (funded by the Arts Council), we have been very fortunate to be paired with Jo Hennessy of Barnstorm Theatre Company. Jo has been our Creative Associate from 2023 and has visited our school many times, to meet with pupils and discuss art projects, and also to teach drama lessons to all classes!

This summer, Jo introduced our school to the visual artist Paul Bokslag. Paul is a renowned artist, and has created many murals, not only in schools but as part of wider community projects, also.

Paul came to each class in May 2025 to workshop ideas for our mural, and through the technique of paper-cutting, the pupils created a variety of shapes and patterns that represent Castlecomer.

Paul has included some of these shapes and patterns in his mural design, which you can see here:

In June, Paul then began the process of painting the mural, on the wall outside the gym. This wall can be viewed from Kilkenny Street.

Jo assisted, as did pupils from a selection of classes, in painting the lower sections of the design.

A scaffold was erected once pupils got their summer holiday, and Paul began to work on the higher sections.

You can see photos of the progress, here:

We are all so happy with the fabulous, and vibrant design. It will show that nature and community are important to our school, and the butterfly symbolises the transformation taking place as our school amalgamates with the Boys' N.S.

We hope this mural will delight all the pupils and staff of Scoil Íosagáín.

Senior pupils from Ms. Tyrrell's class visited Paul Bokslag's exhibition at the Butler Gallery in Kilkenny and were very impressed.

See some photos, here: