New squirrell sculpture at St Patricks Primary, Gortin

THE pupils of St Patrick’s Primary School, Gortin, have been going absolutely ‘nuts’ for the brand new wooden squirrel sculpture that is perched at the entrance of the Gortin Glen Forest Park – and they have even given him an adorable name in celebration of his arrival.

Not only have the enthusiastic pupils decided, by popular vote, that the red squirrel should be called ‘Joe’, but the school’s primary ones have also made the christening official by painting him a beautiful banner, which heralds his new name in colour and creativity.

Joe was carved specially for the tranquil forest park by Alan, a master of the trade from ‘Brilliant Trails’, while his banner, which reads, ‘Welcome Joe to the Gortin Glens’, ensures that the forest’s brand new resident feels right at home with his fellow red squirrels.

The pupils’ eye-catching artwork, currently on display beside Joe, also features an excellent painting of a squirrel, and can be seen and admired by all who traverse into the scenic surrounds of the Glens.

Speaking to the UH, Kate McBride, Year One classroom assistant of St Patrick’s PS, said that the pupils were ‘so proud’ of their painted banner.

“Sean Harpur of ‘Friends of the Glens’ had asked if the children in the school could put their choice of name down for the squirrel, and then whichever name received the majority vote would be chosen,” Kate, who hails from Rouskey, explained. “It turned out that ‘Joe’ was the most popular name written down.

“Then, each of the little primary ones created a banner to welcome Joe to the Glens,” she added. “They painted a few letters each, and two boys painted the squirrel at the bottom right of the banner.

“They had such a fun time creating it, and were as proud as punch when they finished. They held it aloft with big smiles on their faces.”

Sean Harpur, of Friends of the Glens, has thanked the pupils of St Patrick’s for all their hard work.

“We welcome Joe the squirrel to the Gortin Glen Forest Park,” he said. “The children of St Patrick’s PS have given him the great name of ‘Joe’, and made him a lovely banner to help Joe settle into his new home.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped on this project, and thanks, also, to Alan at ‘Brilliant Trials’ for making Joe at no charge to Friends of the Glens.”

So, if you go down to the woods today, make sure to say a happy hello to Joe!