PICTURES: Great 'buzz' at grand opening of Laois apiary!

The Laois Beekeeping Association held the grand opening of their apiary at Tullyroe, Abbeyleix last weekend. 

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The Laois Beekeeping Association also unveiled a beautiful mural by local artist Aileen Donovan, which was made possible with the assistance of Laois County Council and Creative Ireland Heritage Through Arts Grants. 

The mural depicted a beautiful portrait of St. Gobnait, the Patron Saint of beekeepers.

Inspired by Harry Clarke's stained glass depiction of St. Gobnait in Honan Chapel, Co. Cork, Ms Donovan became involved in the project through Creative Ireland's Heritage through Art scheme.

"I was originally asked to do this piece last April, because I had worked with Creative Ireland Laois on a painting of Dysart Church," Ms Donovan explained.

"I found the project so fascinating. My friend Orla had joined the beekeepers association and mentioned that they would like a mural, and that's where it all started really," she said.

Based in Abbeyleix, the association is a group of beekeepers whose mission is to improve and promote beekeeping in the community and provide support for local beekeepers.