Borris celebrates its artistic talent

THE creativity and talent of people from Borris and the surrounding areas were recently celebrated at Borris Town Hall’s fifth annual art and photography competition presentation evening.

The competition began as a way of bringing colour to the newly painted walls of the town hall. It has since grown into a much-anticipated annual event, showcasing local photography and artwork and celebrating the people, places and traditions of the area.

This year’s theme,  Hands at Work, was suggested by one of the town hall’s social media followers, Samantha. It inspired a wide variety of entries, capturing everything from traditional crafts and farming to family life, local heritage and everyday moments.

Twelve winning entries were unveiled in front of the winning artists and photographers, their families and friends and members of the local community. Among the winners was Glenn Lucas, who took two places with his woodturning image and a photograph of sheep being rounded up in Rathanna as an ice cream van pulled up. Borris Lacemakers also featured strongly, with the craft inspiring three of the winning entries.

The judging panel comprised Fr Rory Nolan, town hall committee chairperson; local artists and jewellery designers Rachel O’Hara and Emma Jane Champley, who have given their time since the competition began; local amateur photographer Margaret Walsh, judging for the second year running; and photographer Craig Mahuna, the panel’s newest member.

Calendars will be on sale at the Borris Town Hall Christmas market on Saturday 5 December from 10am to 4pm.

The town hall committee thanked the volunteers who helped to organise the competition and evening, the 12 winners and all who came along to celebrate.

The 12 winners, in calendar order, were Catriona Ryan with The Threads of time – Passing down the patterns (January); Ann Marie Doran with Many hands make light work (February); Helena Brennan with A Gentle hand (March); Borris Lacemakers with Loving hands and special stitches (April); Glenn Lucas with Woodturning in the foothills of Mount Leinster (May); Diana Ryan with Harvest time (June); Glenn Lucas with Did someone say ice cream? (July); John Dowling with Ballymurphy Pride of Place 2026 (August); Philip Cresswell with Hands at work, paws on patrol and memories in the making (September); Borris Community Playschool with Messy hands, happy hearts! (October); Luke Ryan with The Viaduct at work (November); and Maura Doyle with The Art of Borris Lace (December).