The Paddy Power Mural (The Fishermen)

The large mural on the wall of the Paddy Power building in Thomondgate, which depicts Limerick fishermen in their traditional small boats (gandelows), was a project involving Pigtown Media and West Murals.

The Artist: The mural was created by West Murals, which is the professional name for artist Marcus O'Connor.

The Organisers: The project was a collaboration involving the Thomondgate Residents Association and the urban art group Draw Out.

Pigtown Media (run by Draw Out's Creative Director, Darren Ryan) was also involved in documenting or facilitating the project, which is why all three are associated with it in the post.

Why Limerick is Called "Pigtown"

Limerick earned the nickname "Pigtown" due to its rich history as a major international centre for the pork industry.

This reputation was built by four massive bacon factories operating in the heart of the city:

O'Mara's
Matterson's
Denny's
Shaw's (later Clover Meats)

These factories employed thousands of people and built an international reputation for their product, specifically "Limerick Ham." The industry was so central to the city's economy and daily life that the "Pigtown" nickname became a well-known and enduring part of Limerick's identity. Today, the name is celebrated in the annual Pigtown Festival.

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🦊 FOX MURAL BY OHHI OHNO [ATHLUNKARD STREET AND ISLAND ROAD IN LIMERICK]

The Athlunkard Fox: A Symbol of Limerick's Wildlife
Located at the prominent junction of Athlunkard Street and Island Road in Limerick city, a striking, large-scale mural of a fox captures the attention of passers-by. This impressive piece of street art is the work of the artist Ohhi Ohno, also known as Lulu Keeley.

The mural is a significant contribution to the "Wildlife Walls" initiative, an urban art project designed to celebrate and highlight the region's natural heritage. "Wildlife Walls" is a creative collaboration between the urban art specialists Draw Out and Limerick City and County Council.

The primary goal of the initiative is to foster greater public awareness of Limerick's rich biodiversity. It achieves this by commissioning vibrant, high-profile murals that depict indigenous Irish animals and plants. The fox, a familiar yet wild resident of both urban and rural landscapes, serves as a powerful and visible reminder of the wildlife that shares the city environment.

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