A mural celebrating Rochdale-born England midfielder Keira Walsh has been commissioned by Rochdale Borough Council, in partnership with her agency Rept Sports, and will be unveiled in her hometown later this year.
The 26 year old, who helped guide her team to Euro 2022 glory, will be painted onto a wall at the R-Kix Performance Centre on Smith Street, opposite the Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure development. R-Kix provides football pitches, coaching, fitness and other sporting facilities in the town centre.
Renowned Manchester based street artist Katie Scott has been tasked with creating the artwork, with work to be undertaken this spring.
Keira, who joined European giants Barcelona in 2022 was named official player of the match in the historic Euro 2022 final. Since that move she has won La Liga, the Supercopa, the Champions League – and lifted the first women’s Finalissima trophy with England.
Brought up in Rochdale and a former pupil at Healey Primary School, Keira first played football with her dad on a field opposite her house on Syke Common, later joining Pearson Juniors in her hometown before being signed by Blackburn Rovers.
Council leader Neil Emmott described Keira as “an amazing ambassador for women in sport.”
Councillor Ali Ahmed, chair of Rochdale North Township who are funding the mural, said: “Keira has inspired a generation and we are so proud of her success. She is one of Rochdale’s shining stars and to be able to honour her with a permanent mural in the centre of her hometown is fantastic.”
The mural of Keira follows on from her being awarded the freedom of the borough in 2022, the highest honour a council can bestow.
Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out
🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway
Vintage Vibes turns Bury station into something you simply do not see anywhere else
RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One
Parents face over 12 days of more disruption as St Cuthbert’s strike action continues
Community groups across Oldham mark World Bee Day with local events
Oldham students paddle for children's hospital appeal
Oldham campaign aims to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days
Andy Burnham launches election campaign in sunny Makerfield
Six-way battle looms for crucial final seat on Bury council in Moorside ward
Vintage Vibes returns to East Lancashire Railway with music and nostalgia packed weekend
Newhouse Academy receives national careers education award

Comments
Add a comment