Thursday, July 8, 2010

Pauls’ Crafts get behind the Deise


As a bricklayer, Paul Whelan couldn’t escape the ill-effects of the downturn in the construction industry. So, with over 30 years experience in brick laying becoming dormant Paul returned to his childhood passion; hurling. Combining his creative skills and his love of caman and sliotair, Whelan’s Plaster Designs emerged from the mould.

Paul has designed two casts that capture the passion and determination of Waterford’s hurlers as they go head to head with Cork in next weekend’s Munster Hurling Final in Thurles. “The Wall” is a cast of a determined hurler breaking through a brick wall to achieve his goal and “The Hand” depicts a hurler’s hand gripping a sliotar.

A former pupil of Scoil Lorcain, Paul proudly held the school’s Long Puck title and has always followed the highs and lows of the Waterford Senior Hurling Team. When bricklaying work became more infrequent he focused his attention back to hurling to create these unique sporting casts.

According to Paul “The idea to combine art and sport was quite simple. I love hurling and capturing the passion, power and determination of the hurler in a cast seemed to make sense.”

“When Waterford Hurlers do well and progress to the latter stages of provincial and even national championships the whole county goes mad. Every man, woman and child gets behind the team. The casts capture that moment that every hurling supporter loves to see – our team having the belief and power to break through walls.”

Ciaran Cullen, Acting Chief Executive of Waterford City Enterprise Board which is backing the initiative through marketing mentoring (provided by B2B Communications) added “The concept presented by Paul is unique – the casts are distinctive and finished in the blue and white of the Deise. Paul was proactive in creating a product that will resonate with a large slice of the population. That is the type of enterprising spirit that we love to see alive and well in Waterford.”

“The Hand” and “The Wall” are available in outlets throughout Waterford including Ken McGrath Sports, Waterford Gift Gallery, Ryan’s Shoe Repair, Excel Promotions, Pet World and GAA clubs throughout the county. They are also available in all county colours upon request.

For further information call Paul Whelan on 086 8820369.

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