The creators of the nature-loving children’s character Greenie have inspired volunteers all over Galway to help with the building of their float for the upcoming St Patrick’s Day Parade. The individual pieces of artwork created will following the parade be used further beginning with a display at Easons the following weekend.
In keeping with this year’s Galway St Patricks Festival GREEN theme the Greenie Land Gang continue to grow! The Greenie Land float, themed the Celebration of Growth promises to be spectacular with expert float builders Denis Browne and Kay Woodcock voluntarily taking the project on board. While on a low budget Morag Kelly and Michael Duggan directors at Greenieland Interactive Ltd. are setting out to inspire and educate. Already prior to the big event, they have proven successful in this venture with many volunteers including Galway Men’s Shed Group (Cumann na bhFear), Sandy Road VEC Adult Education College students and tutors, GMIT Art College students and St John the Apostle Knocknacarra National School supporting the float build.
According to Morag Kelly “we are blown away by the level of community spirit that has developed for our Greenie Land float project; we cannot thank Denis and Kay enough for their time, commitment and expertise. We will also be forever indebted to the community groups and the parents, teachers and children who are getting involved with incredible enthusiasm”.
John Harty, Woodwork tutor at Sandy Road VEC Adult Education College said “it is good to see the school involved in community projects. It makes it easier to motivate the students and they are learning skills on a real life project and collaborating with others outside of the classroom”.
Greenie is an advocate for protection of the environment and for growing your own produce. He lives in the magical Greenieland and is attuned to nature. Morag and Michael firmly believe in order to connect children with nature we must do so in a fun, educational and interactive way.
The Greenie Land float will feature a large paper-mache Oak like tree symbolising the entry point into Greenie Land. Representing the progression of the seasons from winter/spring to summer/autumn the tree will be adorned with special GREEN thoughts from volunteers. Characters from Greenie Land’s 100% Irish children’s book Gordon Goes to Greenieland geared towards children aged 4+ will also feature. Greenie himself will appear on the day to entertain the crowd. Greenie Land volunteer children and adults will walk behind the float adorned with GREEN creations and singing the Greenieland theme tune.
According to Michael Duggan “we are very passionate about re-connecting with nature and hope our Greenie Land float inspires young and old to connect and enjoy, whether it be the decision to take a simple walk or deciding it’s time to start growing your own. All are welcome to join in with the fun either before or on the day.”
Morag Kelly reveals: “With all the hard work and enthusiasm gone into the project we are hoping to make the most out of the wonderful pieces of artwork we are creating for the float. As a result we are looking for ways to re-use and display them after St. Patrick’s Day when the parade is over. We are delighted to announce that our first opportunity is with Eason in Galway. We are holding a Greenie event on Saturday March 24th between 12 and 2pm. As part of this event they have promised to give Greenie and his gang window space in the lead up.”
