All-Ireland Credit Union art competition brightens gloomy spring

Artworks entered for one of the country’s biggest competitions brought plenty of colour to Croke Park after the gloomy start to spring.

More than 30,000 people submitted their efforts to the annual Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) All-Ireland art competition. And some of the finest went on display at yesterday’s exhibition and awards ceremony at GAA headquarters, where county colours from the length and breadth of the country were proudly represented.

The theme of this year’s competition was Gotta Lotta Colour, which ILCU president Martin Sisk said was evident in every one of the entries received.

Despite the weekend wind and rain, winning artists made it to Croke Park to receive their awards. More than 30 prizes were given out in a number of categories, including four underage categories, with additional winners in special categories to recognise the work of artists with a physical or intellectual disability.

Broadcaster Marty Whelan, hosting the event for a third year, said he was delighted to be involved.

“The quality of artwork displayed here today is outstanding. It is always great to see competitions like this support the arts and give people the opportunity to explore their creative side,” he said.

Around three-quarters of the 400 credit unions on either side of the border had members enter the competition, now in its 29th year and one of the ILCU’s flagship events.

“We are delighted to see the flair and creativity of the young people of Ireland who enter the competition on an annual basis. I am in awe of the outstanding level of imagination reflected in this year’s entries,” Mr Sisk said.