Paul Rouse: What does it mean to compete as an Olympic artist? 

A Waterford exhibition called “Muscles and Minds” features the work of artists who competed for Ireland in the Olympic Games between 1924 and 1948.

OLYMPIC ARTIST: Unveiling of new portrait of John Treacy at Waterford Gallery of Art with Georgina Drumm (Olympic Federation of Ireland), Patricia and Liz (sisters of John Treacy) and artist Sammy Kane. Picture: DGM Photographic

Waterford city is thriving now with its Christmas markets, ice skating, Big Top music and fairground attractions. “Winterval” is in its 12th year and is billed as the largest Christmas festival in the country.

Right in the middle of the markets, on O’Connell Street, an exceptional art exhibition centred on the largest sporting event in the world is in its last days. It is a brilliant exposition of the sheer diversity of lived sporting experience and is a window into what is for many people an unknown or forgotten story.