Local dairy farmer Gerard O’Connell from Rathanker, Co Cork, donated his large concrete statue to neighbouring artist Geraldine Noonan.
With the help of Pat McDonnell, Gertie the cow got a new look ahead of Cork playing in the All-Ireland final on Sunday 21 July.
The family-run dairy farm was purchased in 1951 by Gerard's father Patrick, who is now 103.
The farm is operated under Gerard’s reins, with the help of his four children, Trina, Patrick, Jack and Gerard, who are all involved in the enterprise. To celebrate his 65th birthday, they gifted him the cow statue a few years ago.
The statue of Gertie caught artist Geraldine’s attention when she was driving past one day.
“The cow was up around the yard and Gerard was afraid she was going to get broken, so he said he better put her up somewhere.
"He put the statue on the wall, at the front of the entrance of his farm. We were passing up and down and I said she looks very grey; she could do with a bit of colour,” says Geraldine.
Gertie the cow before her transformation.
After approaching Gerard and asking him if she could upcycle the cow, Geraldine got to work and gave Gertie a new lease of life.
“It's about the community spirit. That farm is a dairy farm and is very significant. It's about having a bit of fun and coming together and adding some colour to the area. It is a focal point and the kids love seeing it as they drive by,” she says.
Gertie the cow after her transformation.
Gertie will be flying the Cork flag this weekend ahead of the big match on Sunday.
Importance of upcycling
Pieces created by Geraldine offer an affordable upcycling service that involves customised refurbishments, quirky interior accessories and sustainable artisan designs.
According to the artist they reimagine household treasures, family heirlooms and discarded furniture to create beautiful spaces and decorative objects.
Geraldine works with her clients to achieve the desired results; conducting in-person consultations on-site, or in her workshop in Wilton, Cork.
If you have a piece of furniture you would like to see take on a new lease of life, get in touch with Geraldine at piecesbygeraldine@gmail.com.
Read more
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Local dairy farmer Gerard O’Connell from Rathanker, Co Cork, donated his large concrete statue to neighbouring artist Geraldine Noonan.
With the help of Pat McDonnell, Gertie the cow got a new look ahead of Cork playing in the All-Ireland final on Sunday 21 July.
The family-run dairy farm was purchased in 1951 by Gerard's father Patrick, who is now 103.
The farm is operated under Gerard’s reins, with the help of his four children, Trina, Patrick, Jack and Gerard, who are all involved in the enterprise. To celebrate his 65th birthday, they gifted him the cow statue a few years ago.
The statue of Gertie caught artist Geraldine’s attention when she was driving past one day.
“The cow was up around the yard and Gerard was afraid she was going to get broken, so he said he better put her up somewhere.
"He put the statue on the wall, at the front of the entrance of his farm. We were passing up and down and I said she looks very grey; she could do with a bit of colour,” says Geraldine.
Gertie the cow before her transformation.
After approaching Gerard and asking him if she could upcycle the cow, Geraldine got to work and gave Gertie a new lease of life.
“It's about the community spirit. That farm is a dairy farm and is very significant. It's about having a bit of fun and coming together and adding some colour to the area. It is a focal point and the kids love seeing it as they drive by,” she says.
Gertie the cow after her transformation.
Gertie will be flying the Cork flag this weekend ahead of the big match on Sunday.
Importance of upcycling
Pieces created by Geraldine offer an affordable upcycling service that involves customised refurbishments, quirky interior accessories and sustainable artisan designs.
According to the artist they reimagine household treasures, family heirlooms and discarded furniture to create beautiful spaces and decorative objects.
Geraldine works with her clients to achieve the desired results; conducting in-person consultations on-site, or in her workshop in Wilton, Cork.
If you have a piece of furniture you would like to see take on a new lease of life, get in touch with Geraldine at piecesbygeraldine@gmail.com.
Read more
‘The UK's approach to dairy systems has more emphasis on indoor systems’
Agri Careers: Increasing accessibility to adult education
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