Combining Boxing And Art In New Exhibition At KCYS On Denny Street

AN exhibition of youth and young Traveller art will open at KCYS Youth Centre on Denny Street in Tralee at 5pm on Thursday, May 28, during Traveller Pride week in Kerry.

‘Things That Matter’ is a bold exhibition of youth art where a love of boxing ignited an interest in paint and the creation of nine artworks.

Each artwork began with a burst of raw creative energy with paint punched onto large-scale wooden boards using boxing gloves.

Through shared conversation, each piece slowly began to reveal itself, shaped and refined with delicate and intentional brush strokes.

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This unique event, supported by the Local Creative Youth Partnership at Kerry ETB and developed by artist Frank McCarthy for The Gaff community venue in Limerick, explores the intersection of sport and creativity, using boxing as a lens through which a group of boys from Tralee and Listowel expressed their stories, strength, and imagination.

“Paint Punch encourages us to value creative expression in all its forms; it is a chance to see where sport and creativity align in a celebration that is unique. We are delighted to see so many get involved in this very important project”, stated Con Moynihan, Director of Schools, Youth & Music at Kerry ETB.

“Ensuring that young people in Kerry have real opportunities to explore their creative and cultural expression means so much to families across our county — and it holds particular importance for young Traveller families, who often face personal, social, and societal barriers that can limit their participation,” said Brigid Quilligan, Manager of the Kerry Travellers Health and Community Development Project.

“This exhibition is a testament to what becomes possible when we stand together in partnership. It shows the bridges we can build, the understanding we can foster, and the pride we can share when our communities work side by side.”

The organisers invite the public to experience this vibrant fusion of sport and visual storytelling which will be on permanent display at KCYS Youth Centre Tralee from May 28th and will be included in the county-wide Cruinniú Na nÓg programme on Saturday June 6th, 2026.

Paint Punch is supported by the KCYS UBU programme, the Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) and The Gaff in Limerick.