Students create artwork for Mayo Hospice – news

A unique collaborative art project involving four secondary schools across East Mayo has found a permanent home at Mayo Hospice in Castlebar, bringing colour, creativity and a powerful sense of connection to patients, families and staff.

The project, titled ‘Felt Connections’, was officially presented at Mayo Hospice on May 6th during a special event attended by students, teachers, artist and Creative Clusters facilitator Cas McCarthy, representatives from Mayo Education Support Centre, including Michael McKenzie, and members of the Hospice team.

Developed as part of the Creative Clusters initiative, a Department of Education programme encouraging collaboration between schools through creative, student-led projects, Felt Connections brought together students from Ballyhaunis Community School, Scoil Mhuire agus Pádraig in Swinford, St Louis Secondary School in Kiltimagh, and St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Foxford.

Each student created an individual felt square inspired by native Irish plants and animals, using texture, colour and imagination to reflect the natural world around them. The individual pieces were then combined into one large-scale installation symbolising unity, care and shared effort.

The completed artwork is now permanently displayed at Mayo Hospice, where it will offer comfort and warmth to all who encounter it.

Joan Boult, Therapies Manager at Mayo Hospice, said the project reflects the strong sense of community that surrounds hospice care across Mayo.

“We are deeply grateful to the students, teachers and everyone involved in Felt Connections for this incredibly thoughtful and meaningful gift. The artwork brings such warmth, colour and creativity into Mayo Hospice, and it beautifully reflects the compassion and connection that are at the heart of hospice care. We know it will be appreciated by patients, families, staff and visitors for many years to come.”

The project was guided by teachers Antoinette Curry, Mary Horan, Alfreda Courtney and Sarah Conway, alongside Creative Clusters facilitator Cas McCarthy. Throughout the process, students developed artistic skills while also experiencing the value of teamwork, collaboration and community connection.

Speaking at the presentation, teacher Antoinette Curry said the project carried a special meaning for everyone involved.

“We are deeply thankful to Mayo Hospice for giving our work a home. More importantly, we want to thank the Hospice team for the incredible work they do every day in caring for people with such compassion and dignity. It is our hope that this artwork brings a sense of warmth and quiet comfort to those who encounter it, and gently reminds people that they are surrounded by care and connection.” 

The Creative Clusters initiative is managed and supported locally by Mayo Education Support Centre in Castlebar and forms part of a national programme administered through the National Arts in Education Programme, based in Tralee Education Centre.

The presentation event highlighted not only the creativity of the students involved, but also the power of art to bring schools, communities and care settings together in a meaningful and lasting way.