It Must Be Summer

Like the first bits of birdsong announcing the arrival of spring, the appearance every summer in Rathmullan of Mohan's Funfair can mean but one thing – the August bank holiday and the annual Rathmullan Community Festival must be just around the corner.

Soon after Mohan's have the dodgems crashing and the teacups spinning, the bunting goes up, the gig rig rolls in, the chip vans fire up their grills, and the party starts with everything you'd expect from an Irish community festival – sandcastle making and bonnie baby contests, cover bands knocking out rock staples, a parade of wacky floats, homemade raft races, and plenty of beer, burgers, and chips.

Of course, a slightly panicked call from a festival committee in urgent need of a programme and posters* usually tips us off to the impending appearance of the Mohans. When the call comes, yet another member of the studio gets a chance to put their spin on summer at the seaside, stylizing seabirds and waves, sand and sunsets: Dermot drew a contemplative seagull and elegant little boats; Muireann put little party hats on her seagulls and threw a few black sheep into the mix; Aidan created a DJing octopus and a pint-drinking diver. The results read like a pocket history of the personalities who have spent time at Carton LeVert.

* We do the work pro-bono in support of our local community.