Sherkin the island of paint and scholars

ONE of Ireland’s most southerly communities has become the Island of Paint and Scholars after the first graduates of an offshore degree programme earned their scrolls yesterday.

From a seed grown almost a decade ago in west Cork, the visual art course on Sherkin Island has become the envy of international colleges.

The seven artists who celebrated yesterday include a mix of islanders and commuters, with one student travelling regularly from Dublin to take part.