ATU and HSE collaborate to promote breastfeeding with a new mural in Sligo

The initiative, a partnership between ATU and the Health Services Executive (HSE), makes ATU the first higher education institution in Ireland to feature a large-scale exterior mural designed to encourage conversations and raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding amongst all members of society. 

The project team is headed by Fiola Murphy, HSE Child Health Programme Development Officer for Community Healthcare in Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo, along with Margaret McLoone, SFHEA, Programme Chair and Lecturer in Health Promotion at ATU. Their joint effort highlights the mural’s broader mission to serve as a reminder of the significance of breastfeeding and to promote healthier infant-feeding practices throughout the region.  

Located on the wall of the Student’s Union building, the mural is the creation of renowned artist Marian Noone, also known as Friz. She has returned to the Sligo campus after creating The Owl of Wisdom mural on the Innovation Centre Building in 2021. The mural depicts the artist’s niece being breastfed, a scene inspired by the observation of the tender moments between mother and child in the early days of the baby's life. The design focuses on the baby, and highlights the profound bond established as a mother breastfeeds her baby. 
“This mural is very personal to me, inspired by my newborn niece. It captures a moment of love and connection that is universal and timeless. I hope it encourages and normalises the beautiful act of breastfeeding, making it a more accepted and supported practice in our society”, Marian said. 

Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, says the mural is a true reflection of the collaborative efforts between ATU and HSE;  
“We are honoured to have such a beautiful and meaningful piece on our Sligo campus. It celebrates the natural and nurturing act of breastfeeding, while also showing our commitment to promoting health and wellbeing in many different areas.” 

Cara O Neill, Head of Health and Wellbeing, HSE Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo says the HSE are delighted to partner with ATU;  
“Increasing Ireland’s breastfeeding rates will help improve the long-term population health. We hope this impactful piece of artwork by Friz will provoke thoughts and inspire conversations, particularly among young people, staff and visitors which will contribute to creating a society where breastfeeding becomes the norm.” 

Everyone is invited to join the official unveiling of the mural at 12.30 pm on Wednesday, 2 October 2024, at the main reception of ATU’s Sligo campus. The event, entitled “From Bump to Baby and Beyond – A Celebration of Breastfeeding”, will include a breastfeeding research showcase featuring various infant feeding-related research projects conducted in collaboration between the HSE and ATU.  

Ivana Hanjs   
Communications Officer    
Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh (OTA), Éire   
Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland   
Tel: +353 89 963 9559    
E: ivana.hanjs@atu.ie