Offaly community celebrates Bealtaine with craft felting project in Tullamore Library
A variety of community groups in Offaly recently joined forces to commemorate Bealtaine with a craft felting project that went on display at Tullamore Library.
This collaborative initiative brought together eleven ladies from the Offaly community to reminisce about their cherished memories of Charleville Castle, culminating in a display of their creative expressions for the wider community to enjoy.
The exhibition was launched by the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick.
The groups involved with the event were Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) Community Education, Offaly Public Participation Network, Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC), Age Alliance Offaly, and Offaly Older Persons Network.
Gillian Cunningham, Community Education Facilitator with LOETB, warmly welcomed everyone to the exhibition and extended a special welcome to Cllr Fitzpatrick; Evelyn Dunne, LOETB Chairperson; Karen Conlon, Age Friendly Offaly; and Louise Larkin, OLDC SICAP Manager.
Ms Cunningham highlighted how, under the expert guidance of LOETB tutor Pauline McNelis, the participants embarked on a six-week journey down memory lane.
Through sharing and reflection, they unearthed a treasure trove of anecdotes, recollections, and heartfelt moments associated with Charleville Castle. These memories were immortalised through the art of felting.
Pauline McNelis expressed her gratitude, saying, "I would like to thank everyone involved, especially Gillian Cunningham and Hazel Duffy from Community Education for asking me to guide and tutor this project. 'Memories of Charleville Castle' became more than a felting project - it took on a life of its own."
Molly Buckley, speaking on behalf of the group, shared, "The felting project was initially the brainchild of Frances Kawala, who suggested we do a historical project.
"With the permission of the late David Hotton Bury, we were fortunate to access Charleville Estate. Our sessions were not just about creating art but also about reliving happy memories, which was fun and therapeutic."
Each fibre was placed with care and attention, with some participants not knowing how their memory would translate into a piece of artwork. Yet, each found their creative side and persisted to bring their piece to the finish line.
Over the weeks, the ladies began to view the landscapes and changing skies through an artistic eye, bringing a sense of pride and place to what is on offer on one's own doorstep.
The culmination of this heartfelt endeavour was unveiled at Tullamore Library on Tuesday, May 21, for a week-long exhibition.
Visitors to the library were given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the stories, emotions, and craftsmanship woven into each felting masterpiece.