Latest Project Completion

Celebrating Arigna’s Mining Heritage Through Art: New Mural Unveiled in Village Centre 

A striking new mural celebrating the rich mining heritage of Arigna has been unveiled in the heart of the village, coinciding with the marking 35 years since the closure of the mines. The project, supported under the Roscommon County Council Commemorative Funding Programme 2024, was led by Kyle Flynn, Rural Recreation Officer at Roscommon LEADER Partnership, and brought to life by artist Nick Purdy of Blowdesigns.

Located on one of the village’s most prominent walls, the mural has already become a focal point for locals and visitors alike. It not only brightens the streetscape but also serves as a powerful tribute to the generations of miners who shaped the identity and resilience of the Arigna community.

The imagery within the mural was developed in consultation with the Arigna Recreation Enhancement Association (AREA) and local residents. It features miners in various poses—pushing coal hutches, shoveling, and digging—highlighting the physically demanding nature of their work. A poignant religious element is also included, reflecting the tradition of miners saying a prayer before entering the mines each day.

Notably, the mural depicts two types of helmet lamps—one gas-fueled and one battery-powered—symbolizing the evolution of mining technology. A way-marker post on the far left references the Miners Way & Historical Trail, encouraging visitors to engage with the mural and share their experiences online to promote the trail.

The mural’s completion coincides with a series of commemorative events marking the mine’s closure in 1990.

Special thanks are extended to Fr. Tom Cox, Parish Priest of Kilronan, and the diocesan office for their support, as well as to all community members who contributed ideas and enthusiasm to the project.

This mural stands not only as a work of art but as a living memory—a tribute to the strength, faith, and unity of Arigna’s mining families.

Roscommon County Council is tasked with the implementation at local level of the Commemorative Programme.  

The work in progress:  

What is the Commemorative Programme?

The State continues to adopt a supportive and facilitative approach in planning for commemorations, while not replicating the Decade of Centenaries Programme in scope or scale, and in the context of the annual budget and resources available. 

Patrick O'Donovan T.D., Minister for Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht Sport and Media, has approved a grant funding allocation for every Local Authority in 2025, stating “2024 was a transitional year for commemorations following the completion of the Commemorative Programme in December 2023. We continued to mark the significant centenaries that fell between 2012-2023, but also other historical events and themes that shaped our nation could be acknowledged and remembered appropriately, using the structure and ethos established by the Commemorative Programme. I am pleased to note that this broadening of scope was positively received, and has enabled the delivery of many engaging initiatives covering new and impactful historical events and topics.

It is my hope that the commemorative funding for 2025 will continue to facilitate the creation of opportunities for all our communities to consider and explore the formative events of our past, in all of their complexity, and in a respectful and supportive environment. The principles and guidance set out by the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations will continue to support and guide the State’s approach to commemorations.”

The principles and work of the Expert Advisory Group leaves a permanent legacy, which will continue to support and guide future commemorations. Further information is available at  https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-tourism-culture-arts-gaeltacht-sport-and-media/publications/decade-of-centenaries/

Roscommon Commemorative Programme Open Call Grants 2025 

The key objective of the Open Call is to support community-led commemorative initiatives to mark the centenaries of locally significant historical events in 1925, and other notable anniversaries of key events in the early years of the State, as well as other significant anniversaries and associated themes.   

The level of grant assistance for any one event/project will average €1,000. In very exceptional circumstances, Roscommon County Council reserves the right to award a sum in excess of this to a project.

This fund is open to not-for-profit organisations, local community groups, arts, heritage and cultural groups and venues. Applications by individuals must be in partnership with a community group or organisation.

 View the full guidelines and criteria here: ROSCOMMON-COUNTY-COUNCIL-COMMEMORATIVE-PROGRAMME-OPEN-CALL-2025-GUIDELINES

Applications are available at the following link Commemorative Funding Open Call Application Form and will only be accepted via this method.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 3rd June at 5pm.

Late applications will not be accepted.