Cappoquin artist presents portrait to the president

Local artist, Noel O’Donoghue, presented President Michael D. Higgins with a presidential portrait on Sunday, June 26 at the Áras an

Uachtaráin Garden Party.

Noel O’Donoghue is a Cappoquin-based self-taught artist, who despite having no official training, has always had a love for painting. He has held exhibitions in the Market House Craftworks in Cappoquin and the Old Market House Arts Centre in Dungarvan.

The portrait comes as part of a 1921 Centenary Series Noel has been working on over the past year and a half, which focuses on Irish icons and includes Maude Gonne, Tom Crean, Michael Collins with the Dublin and Kilkenny teams at the All-Ireland in 1921, and a depiction of the IRA on Grafton Street in 1922.

“I was doing a series of Irish icons and I said who better to do than President Higgins. I felt it was appropriate to paint him because of his standing, his conscience and his humanitarian work,” Mr O’Donoghue said.

After completing the image, Mr O’Donoghue had hoped to present the portrait to the president and contacted Tallow councillor John Pratt, who put in a request to attend the garden party at the Áras, so that the presentation could go ahead.

‘GREAT HOSTS’

Arriving early to Áras an Uachtaráin ahead of those attending the garden party, Mr O’Donoghue and Wexford native, Imelda Watters, were briefed on events and twenty minutes later, President Higgins and his wife, Sabrina, arrived for the presentation.

“The day itself was amazing. I presented the portrait to him and he was very gracious and appreciative and commended the piece,” Noel said.

Local councillor John Pratt, who also attended the presentation and garden party with his wife Margo, said it was a ‘brilliant occasion’.

“They really do it well. There was a big marquee and great bands, sandwiches and delicacies. It was obviously something that was on my wish list, to attend one of these garden parties. It was really memorable and they were great hosts,” Cllr Pratt said.

Opening the event, President Higgins gave a welcoming speech, while the Master of Ceremonies on the day was Anne Cassin of Nationwide.

Those in attendance included several volunteers, such as the Samaritans and climate change activists.

Entertainment at the garden party included performances from Sibéal, Villagers, Pure Hits and many more.

“We got to look around the gardens and the walled garden. There are trees planted there by Barrack O’Bama and Queen Elizabeth in the 1800’s. There are lots of iconic features in the gardens and the house. It was an absolutely amazing day and an honour to attend,” Cllr Pratt said.