The painting below is of MLR player and stalwart James Hickey celebrating one of the team’s many victories. The scene shows the joy and pride that the players and fans feel after this success. I think the joy and elation is well expressed here.

You may also recognise James from this ad currently being shown on TV!

Bigger and better was to come Rangers’ way.  I’d like to show you a larger than life mural I did for a local business in support of the Teams’ next challenge. They reached the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Final back in March 2014. It was a massive achievement from a club whose history only began in 1988. The villages of Borris, Ballymurphy and Rathanna were adorned in the club colours of red and black. Flags were draped, Teddy bears and pets dressed in club jerseys, signs were painted, songs were penned. Rival Carlow Gaa clubs near and far displayed good luck signs along the highways and byways, wishing MLR the best in the biggest game of their lives while paving the way up to Croke Park.

The text on the bottom of the painting is written in Irish it says “Gaiscigh Abu!” (pronounced Gosh-gig aboo!). This loosely translates into “Come on Rangers!”….The board was primed in white paint, giving me a lovely smooth (more importantly waterproofed!) surface to paint the image onto. I used acrylic paints and varnish to weather proof the completed painting. I think the white background sets off the red and black quite well and the idea was to make the individual player stand out while he reaches for the “Sliotar” (The Irish name for the leather ball used in the game of hurling). Unfortunately, success was not to be this year for the team but hopefully the Rangers will have better days coming and a chance for the mural to be aired again!

My artwork can be viewed at Drawn to Sport on Facebook and Etsy shop. I also have my paintings on display in Borris Food and Craft Market in Borris Town Hall every Friday morning from 9.30am till 1.30pm.  If you are interested in purchasing a piece or indeed would like to commission a painting sporting or otherwise, I can be contacted by email or phone +353 (0)87 6397210.