Street Photography

BY MAUREEN KELLY FOX AND HER DAUGHTER IZZY FOX

Making my blog more accessible is important to me. For readers who find the detailed text descriptions challenging, I've begun adding audio descriptions in a conversational format. I hope this offers a richer and more inclusive experience

PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART IN CHAPELIZOD

Artist Spotlight: Maureen Kelly Fox Brings Vibrant Paint-a-Box Murals to Chapelizod

Originally hailing from Galway, graphic designer Maureen Kelly Fox has been a resident of Lucan for the past 25 years. Her extensive career spans both freelance and in-house design work, with a focus on digital creations such as posters, illustrations, photo retouching, and presentations.

However, Maureen’s artistic talents extend beyond the digital realm. She also possesses a passion for hand-painted artistry, creating captivating murals for both interior and exterior spaces, as well as eye-catching window designs and traditional sign writing projects.

Recently, Maureen has brought her vibrant artistic flair to the streets of Chapelizod through the “Paint-a-Box” initiative, transforming ordinary traffic signal boxes into captivating works of art.

THE GREAT IRISH ELK BY CIARA JOHNSON

PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART ON CON COLBERT ROAD

Ciara was an animation student at Ballyfermot College when she produced this example of paint-a-box street art.

The Great Irish Elk, also known as the Irish Deer or Giant Deer (Megaloceros giganteus), is an extinct species of deer renowned for its colossal size and magnificent antlers.

Key Characteristics:

Enormous Size: It stood approximately 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall at the shoulders, rivalling the modern moose in size.
Gigantic Antlers: The most striking feature was its massive antlers, which could span up to 3.65 meters (12 feet) across. These palmate antlers were the largest of any known deer species.
Wide Distribution: Though commonly associated with Ireland, the Great Irish Elk ranged throughout Eurasia, from Ireland to Siberia. The name “Irish” stems from the abundance of well-preserved fossils found in Irish bogs.

Evolution and Extinction:

Pleistocene Epoch: The Great Irish Elk evolved during the glacial periods of the Pleistocene Epoch, roughly 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago.
Extinction Theories: The exact cause of its extinction remains debated. Some theories suggest:
Environmental Changes: Habitat loss due to the end of the last ice age.
Antler Size: The massive antlers may have become a hindrance, affecting mobility or requiring excessive nutritional resources.
Hunting Pressure: Early humans may have contributed to their decline through hunting.

Fossil Discoveries:

Irish Bogs: The unique conditions of Irish bogs have preserved numerous complete skeletons, providing valuable insights into their anatomy and lifestyle.
Other Locations: Fossils have also been discovered in various European and Asian countries, indicating their wide distribution.

Significance:

Paleontological Importance: The Great Irish Elk is a crucial species for understanding deer evolution and the impacts of environmental change on megafauna.
Cultural Symbol: It holds a place in Irish folklore and has become a symbol of Ireland’s natural heritage.

Ongoing Research:

Genetic Studies: Scientists are analysing ancient DNA from fossils to unravel the evolutionary relationships of the Great Irish Elk and its connection to modern deer species.
Paleoecological Investigations: Researchers are studying fossil remains and their associated environments to reconstruct the past ecosystems in which the Great Irish Elk lived and the factors that may have led to its extinction.

The Great Irish Elk continues to fascinate scientists and the public alike, serving as a reminder of the incredible diversity of life that once existed on Earth and the dynamic nature of our planet’s history.

I VISITED DUNDRUM MAIN STREET TWICE OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY TO HAVE LUNCH AT ESSENCE

THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT

I visited Dundrum village twice over the Christmas holiday as a friend recently took over “Essence” on the main Street.

Essence is a, long established, café and patisserie and is a popular spot offering a variety of breakfast and lunch options, along with a selection of pastries and cakes. In essence it provides a casual dining experience with a focus on fresh ingredients and quality food. They offer items such as:

Breakfast/Brunch: Full Irish breakfast, pancakes, and various egg dishes.
Lunch: Sandwiches, paninis, soups, and salads.
Pastries and Cakes: A range of freshly baked goods, including croissants, cakes, and other sweet treats.
Beverages: Coffee, tea, and other drinks.

The reconfiguration of Dundrum Main Street has been a significant undertaking with the aim of prioritising pedestrians and cyclists, and creating a more vibrant and accessible village centre. Here’s a summary of the changes and the public reaction:

Changes Implemented:

One-way System for Motor Vehicles: Traffic flow was changed to a one-way system to facilitate wider footpaths and cycle lanes.
Cycle Lanes: Dedicated cycle lanes were introduced to improve safety for cyclists.
Wider Footpaths: Footpaths were widened to provide more space for pedestrians and outdoor seating for businesses.
Pedestrian Crossings: New pedestrian crossings were installed to improve safety for those on foot.
Traffic Calming Measures: Measures were implemented to reduce traffic speed and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Public Reaction:

Before and During:

Initial Concerns: There were initial concerns from some businesses about the potential impact on trade due to changes in traffic flow and parking.
Disruption During Construction: As with any construction project, there was some disruption during the implementation phase.

After:

Generally Positive: The overall reaction has been largely positive, with many people appreciating the improved pedestrian environment and safer cycling facilities.
Increased Footfall: Studies have shown an increase in footfall on Main Street, suggesting that the changes have had a positive impact on the area’s vibrancy.
Concerns about Accessibility: Some concerns were raised about accessibility for elderly people and those with mobility issues, particularly regarding the kerbs separating the cycle lanes.
Temporary Measures: Some of the initial measures, such as the temporary kerbs, were recognised as not being ideal long-term solutions.

Overall:

The reconfiguration of Dundrum Main Street appears to have been largely successful in achieving its objectives of creating a more pedestrian and cycle-friendly environment. While there were some initial concerns and challenges, the overall reaction has been positive, with evidence suggesting that the changes have had a positive impact on the area.

It’s worth noting that ongoing monitoring and evaluation are important to address any remaining issues and ensure that the changes continue to benefit the community.