Stunning new artwork is unveiled in Killala

A local group of creative artists have unveiled a stunning quilt representing the town of Killala.

In 2024, the Killala Quilters were invited to make a quilt representing the north Mayo town to be hung in the dining room of the Killala Community Centre where many elderly people in the community come together once a week to share a meal and keep in touch with friends.

“There are big walls here that needed decoration,” said Killala Community Centre manager Derek O’Flaherty. “But it needed decoration that said something about our community.” 

The community looked towards the incredibly creative Killala Quilters, who have been active in the area since the early 1980s, making quilts for charity groups and community organisations.

Of particular importance is the 1798 Quilt, completed in 1998 to commemorate the French Landing and the events that occurred in and around Killala during what was to become known as The Year of the French. Individual group members have also made countless quilts for family and friends, often from the old shirts and dresses of departed loved ones.

In preparation for this latest project, the Quilters group first gathered memories and impressions of Killala to encompass what is loved in and around the town. Some 500 hours of hands-on work later - including hand-stitching, machine-sewing, drawing, embroidery and landscape-quilting - the 'Ár nÁit Féin' (Our Own Place) Quilt was complete.

The finished work reflects a love of place in its portrayal of notable aspects of Killala’s natural and built environments including the ancient round tower, the historic cathedral, the sea, the pier and the boats in the foreground. Nature is represented by seabirds and the famous 'Killala ducks' with the rise of Mount Nephin in the distance.

The work refers to Killala’s ecclesiastical history and heritage, its sea-faring past, the natural environment, and its long existence as a place of refuge and welcome for generations of people who have made their home there.

Members who took part in the making of the Killala Quilt were Olive Kennedy, Nikki Molloy, Rose Maughan, Avril Murphy, Mairéad Gardiner, Cathy Whelan, and Janine Stansfield, with artistic advice from Shona Maughan and Una Morris. 

Olive Kennedy has been with the group since the very beginning in the early 1980s. She said the quilt represents not only the story of Killala, it also tells a story of deep friendship and collaboration between the Killala Quilters.

“This quilt is the work of our hands and our hearts over many hours. It represents not just skill, but cooperation, patience and collective energy of a small group of women profoundly rooted in their community,” she said.

“No one person could have made this quilt, it exists because of collaboration, encouragement and a love of craft that binds us together. This quilt tells a story but so does the making of it, a story of friendship and learning from one another to create something lasting for our community.”

The quilt was unveiled at Killala Community Centre last Friday with newly elected Killala Community Council Newstart CLG chairperson Mary Butler carrying out the honours.