Frenchpark Tidy Towns Committee with artist Natalie Wood Folan will create a mural to revitalise the historic ball alley in Frenchpark — one of the village’s few remaining heritage structures. 

This large-scale artwork will depict a visual timeline of Frenchpark’s history, using a procession of cattle and herdspeople to represent key moments and figures. Cattle, central to Irish life for generations, serve as a living thread through time, moving across the wall alongside representative figures: a Gaelic clansman, Dominican friar, Clan MacDermott chieftain, Baron de Freyne, a young Douglas Hyde, 1920s patriots, and a modern farmer. 

The mural will feature men and women of all ages, reflecting community life. With a restrained colour palette, it will balance visual impact with historical sensitivity, aiming to be timeless and rooted in pride and memory. The project will be led by professionals but include structured community participation, inviting locals and youth groups to contribute. A smaller “satellite mural” on the opposite wall will feature vibrant cows designed for interaction and photo opportunities, encouraging footfall and engagement. This initiative will revive a neglected site, spark interest in local history, foster pride, and promote gentle cultural tourism. “The Living Thread of Dún Gar” is more than a mural — it’s a reconnection with Frenchpark’s rich, layered past.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.