Tribute to Breffni Carroll

 

This Book of Kells-style mural on the East Pier was not originally painted by me, but by Breffni Carroll, a Wicklow man and a keen artist. 

He was well known locally for his painting of the Mona Lisa on the upper section of the then-derelict building of the former Rialto cinema in Fitzwilliam Square. The site was subsequently demolished and was replaced by a tourist office and an insurance office.

Breffni's circle mural was inspired by the popular celtic design artwork of the renowned artist, Jim Fitzpatrick. He was also influenced by the presence of my own murals along the pier wall. Breffni's figure mural was not maritime-themed. It was painted black on a silver background. 

Over the years, his mural gradually deteriorated due to weather conditions, such that by 2018, it had almost disappeared. Determined to restore Breffni's work in appreciation of his art, I  approached him for permission to do so, and Breffni happily agreed. 

One day, in the autumn of 2019, I met Breffni on the town's footbridge. Breffni expressed his deep gratitude to me for the wonderful work he had done on his original mural, saying he was greatly moved by it, while I, for my part, was delighted with the outcome.

Breffni's interests later turned to music and to drama performances in Wicklow Jail. He continued to paint at home, selling a number of his artworks.

Sadly, Breffni passed in March 2020. I have dedicated his restoration to Breffni, and to his partner, Viviana, his daughter, Rose, and his son Rex whom I came to know when working as a postman.

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