THIS week sees schools and colleges marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising with proclamation days and other events.

One man in Ballybunion though decided on very different way of marking the anniversary. Mario Perez has already impressed locals with his tribute to David Bowie in January and this time he created a beautiful sand art design on the beach to commemorate the year that’s in it.

It took Mario seven hours to complete yesterday – from 10am to 5pm – and the photos of it are doing the rounds on social media and garnering deserved praise from all quarters. His work is also great for Ballybunion tourism, especially in this sunshine! (Thanks to Ballybunion TidyTowns Facebook for sending this to us)