Paint Punch is a unique community-focused, youth arts programme which has seen sixty young people from Kilmallock, Abbeyfeale, Ennis, Askeaton and Limerick City create impressive works of art by punching paint onto boards with boxing gloves. The programme took place over the summer months of 2024, in partnership with St. Mary’s Boys School, Abbeyfeale, Ballyhoura Development Company, Kilmallock, Limerick Youth Service, Askeaton, Limerick Learning Hub, Clare Youth Service, Ennis and the Local Creative Youth Partnership at Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.

The idea of Paint Punch came from Artist Frank McCarthy who, while working with young boys in Abbeyfeale during a music programme, observed how they incorporated boxing into almost every aspect of their daily lives, through movement, music and conversation. While the same boys might not have been overly enthusiastic about painting in the conventional sense, the idea of using boxing gloves was met with great enthusiasm. The result has been extremely successful with demand for the programme coming from other youth centres. Frank McCarthy continues as active artistic lead on this programme with Manuela Hartlep in the role of project manager. The GAFF gratefully appreciates the support of RETHINK Ireland for enabling Paint Punch to be rolled out in five areas in 2024. Paint Punch was originally produced by the Local Creative Youth Partnership with whom The GAFF continues to work.

An exhibition of the works created through 'Paint Punch’ was launched in our new building on Lord Edward St. in Autumn 2024. It was great to see a gathering from so many different community groups, arts organizations and support bodies. We look forward to continuing good relationships with all of you.

Check out RTE's coverage of Paint Punch, filmed in St Mary's BNS Abbeyfeale. Thanks to Cathy Halloran and the RTE film crew for bringing this story to the news and well done to all the boys in Abbeyfeale who took part in this project.