The wonderful power of art exemplified in Waterford

A very special family photograph was taken recently in Ferrybank, on the outskirts of Waterford City, involving a fantastic mural 

The murals, which are an eye-catching focus of attention on the approach and exit, to and from Waterford City, in Ferrybank, were created by artist Mariana Santos.

Mariana put out a call for old photographs of Ferrybank to help inspire the wonderful murals she was creating.

One of the photographs sent to her was from the Ferrybank Community Newsletter FB group and it was an image of Paddy Griffin, taken many years ago while he was working at R&H Hall.

In an online post those behind the Facebook group said the photograph was featured on their page years ago and Mariana selected it for her artwork. 

"Following approval by Waterford City and County Council, Paddy became part of the wonderful collection of murals that Mariana has now left us," they noted.

However, the family photograph that was taken recently carried very special significance because it a photo of Paddy Griffin's children standing beside the mural of their dad, created by Mariana.

Padraig O'Griofa, Fionnuala O'Shea, Mairead Nugent, Sinead Henderson and Niall Griffin took great pleasure and pride in posing for the photo.

The photo was submitted to the Ferrybank CN Facebook group by one of the family members to share.

"For me, this is what makes Mariana's murals so special," said a spokesperson for the Ferrybank group.

"They're not simply beautiful works of art — behind the paintings are real people, real families and real pieces of our local history," he added.

The photo is an example of the power of art and for the family a brilliant document to have for the family,  standing together beside the tribute to their dad.