THE FISHERMEN MURAL BY FINTAN McGEE ON ROCHES STREET
Back in the summer of 2017, I wandered the streets of Limerick City, camera in hand, captivated by the explosion of colour that had taken over its walls. Limerick's street art scene was thriving, and I was determined to document it. At the time, identifying the artists and their works proved a bit of a puzzle, but through some online sleuthing, I've since been able to map out seventeen incredible murals.
One that particularly stands out is Fintan Magee's "The Fishermen" on Roches Street. This piece, with its ethereal figures seemingly intertwined with the flowing water, perfectly captures Magee's signature style. He's an Australian artist with strong Irish roots, and his work often explores themes of human connection, nature, and the ephemeral.
Magee's murals have a dreamlike quality, drawing you in with their flowing lines and muted colours. In "The Fishermen," the figures almost appear to be sculpted from water, their forms echoing classical art while remaining distinctly modern. It's a beautiful reminder of the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world.
But this mural is more than just a beautiful artwork. It's also a tribute to a unique part of Limerick's heritage: the Abbey Fishermen. These fishing families, with names like Clancy, MacNamara, Hayes, and Shanny, lived and worked along the Shannon for centuries, their lives intertwined with the river's rhythms.
They fished the waters in their traditional "brochauns" – specialised boats that have been used on the Shannon since at least the 16th century. Their fishing rights and practices, passed down through generations, were deeply connected to the history of the Abbey area and even linked to ancient Irish law.
Sadly, much of the Abbey Fishermen's way of life has faded with time. Many of their homes have been demolished, and their fishing traditions have diminished. But Fintan Magee's mural keeps their memory alive, reminding us of the people who shaped Limerick's relationship with the Shannon.
While exploring Roches Street, keep an eye out for these notable buildings:
22 Roches Street: This building, now home to Hackett's printing company, has a fascinating past as a 19th-century corn store. Its architecture reflects the street's history as a centre of commerce and industry.
31 Roches Street: This striking red brick building dates back to the mid-19th century and is a well-preserved example of Victorian commercial architecture. It has housed a variety of shops throughout its history, most recently McMahon's Cycle World. Though currently unoccupied, its ornate shopfront and original features offer a glimpse into Limerick's commercial past.
Magee's "The Fishermen" is just one of many incredible murals that have transformed Limerick's urban landscape. If you're ever in the city, be sure to take a stroll and discover these hidden gems for yourself. You won't be disappointed!
A Few Facts about Fintan Magee:
He's gained international recognition for his large-scale murals, which can be found in cities all over the world.
His artistic influences range from classical masters like Caravaggio to contemporary street artists.
He often incorporates elements of nature into his work, creating a sense of harmony between humans and their environment.
One that particularly stands out is Fintan Magee's "The Fishermen" on Roches Street. This piece, with its ethereal figures seemingly intertwined with the flowing water, perfectly captures Magee's signature style. He's an Australian artist with strong Irish roots, and his work often explores themes of human connection, nature, and the ephemeral.
Magee's murals have a dreamlike quality, drawing you in with their flowing lines and muted colours. In "The Fishermen," the figures almost appear to be sculpted from water, their forms echoing classical art while remaining distinctly modern. It's a beautiful reminder of the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world.
But this mural is more than just a beautiful artwork. It's also a tribute to a unique part of Limerick's heritage: the Abbey Fishermen. These fishing families, with names like Clancy, MacNamara, Hayes, and Shanny, lived and worked along the Shannon for centuries, their lives intertwined with the river's rhythms.
They fished the waters in their traditional "brochauns" – specialised boats that have been used on the Shannon since at least the 16th century. Their fishing rights and practices, passed down through generations, were deeply connected to the history of the Abbey area and even linked to ancient Irish law.
Sadly, much of the Abbey Fishermen's way of life has faded with time. Many of their homes have been demolished, and their fishing traditions have diminished. But Fintan Magee's mural keeps their memory alive, reminding us of the people who shaped Limerick's relationship with the Shannon.
While exploring Roches Street, keep an eye out for these notable buildings:
22 Roches Street: This building, now home to Hackett's printing company, has a fascinating past as a 19th-century corn store. Its architecture reflects the street's history as a centre of commerce and industry.
31 Roches Street: This striking red brick building dates back to the mid-19th century and is a well-preserved example of Victorian commercial architecture. It has housed a variety of shops throughout its history, most recently McMahon's Cycle World. Though currently unoccupied, its ornate shopfront and original features offer a glimpse into Limerick's commercial past.
Magee's "The Fishermen" is just one of many incredible murals that have transformed Limerick's urban landscape. If you're ever in the city, be sure to take a stroll and discover these hidden gems for yourself. You won't be disappointed!
A Few Facts about Fintan Magee:
He's gained international recognition for his large-scale murals, which can be found in cities all over the world.
His artistic influences range from classical masters like Caravaggio to contemporary street artists.
He often incorporates elements of nature into his work, creating a sense of harmony between humans and their environment.
THE FISHERMEN MURAL BY FINTAN McGEE ON ROCHES STREET