Residents of COPE Galway’s short-term accommodation hostel for men have teamed up with local artist, Tracy Moca, to transform the homeless facility in the city centre.

The mural, entitled ‘City of Tribes’, celebrates all things Galway and has added colour to the previously dark and gloomy wall facing Fairgreen Road.

Tracy designed the mural after a consultation with the current residents of the 26-bed hostel.

“The men at Fairgreen Hostel have brought their own individual and unique talents to the table, from coming up with ideas, to using their individual painting skills and techniques. Over the past few weeks, they have created this wonderful tribute to Galway through teamwork, determination, countless cups of coffee, and plenty of banter. Their commitment and engagement with the project has been just fantastic,” she said.

The residents completed the artwork over two weeks and unveiled it at a launch event last Tuesday.  The project was made possible thanks to funding by Galway City Council and Creative Ireland, and supported by T O’Higgins Homevalue, who donated paints and materials.

One hostel resident said: “It’s isolating being homeless – this brought us together in a group activity. It takes you out of a rut. It’s always great to be a part of something from start to finish. It’d be good to do it again because people have really enjoyed it.”

Paudie Cunningham, Team Lead at Fairgreen Hostel, said: “For 25 years, Fairgreen Hostel has operated from this building, located on the main throughway into Galway bus and train station. By enhancing the exterior of our building, we have transformed from being an anonymous structure into a piece of visual art, which our service users and staff can be proud of.

“The project has given residents a real sense of purpose and ownership of their space, and encouraged some to think about pursuing a career in painting or art. It’s great that a part of the building has now been transformed for the community, by the community and will be a long lasting and positive addition to the area.”