THE FISHERMEN MURAL BY FINTAN McGEE
![THE FISHERMEN MURAL BY FINTAN McGEE [AT THE CORNER OF ANNE STREET AND ROCHES STREET LIMERICK]-244680-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/UrbanExpressionAndDepression/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/THE-FISHERMEN-MURAL-BY-FINTAN-McGEE-AT-THE-CORNER-OF-ANNE-STREET-AND-ROCHES-STREET-LIMERICK-244680-1-1422x1067.jpg "THE FISHERMEN MURAL BY FINTAN McGEE [AT THE CORNER OF ANNE STREET AND ROCHES STREET LIMERICK]-244680-1")
![THE FISHERMEN MURAL BY FINTAN McGEE [AT THE CORNER OF ANNE STREET AND ROCHES STREET LIMERICK]-244681-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/UrbanExpressionAndDepression/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/THE-FISHERMEN-MURAL-BY-FINTAN-McGEE-AT-THE-CORNER-OF-ANNE-STREET-AND-ROCHES-STREET-LIMERICK-244681-1-1422x1067.jpg "THE FISHERMEN MURAL BY FINTAN McGEE [AT THE CORNER OF ANNE STREET AND ROCHES STREET LIMERICK]-244681-1")
A local, self appoint, historian told me that Anne Street is named after Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife of King Henry VIII. I decided not to correct him – Anne Street was named after Anne Rankin, who owned the five houses in the street in the mid-nineteenth century. She is named as the owner on Griffith’s valuation (circa 1850).
One mural that stands out in Limerick city centre is Fintan Magee’s “The Fishermen” on the walls of a multi-storey carpark at the corner of Anne Street and Roche’s 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.
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 multi-storey car park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The car park has 300 spaces, including 10 disabled spaces. The car park is also equipped with CCTV cameras and security lighting.