A portrait dedicated to the late Laura Brennan has been unveiled at the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland.
Ennis native Laura died from cervical cancer at the age of 26 and is remembered as one of the most high-profile health advocates in the country. Her efforts led a surge in the uptake of the HPV vaccine, a campaign that has been continued by her family since her death in March 2019.
Her painting is to be hung at the RCPI. It is the college’s way of recognising those who have had a lasting impact on Irish medicine and healthcare. The painting is the latest in a collection spanning 300 years and includes 95 portraits.
Laura is the only non-doctor to adorn the walls and she is just the third female to be honoured with a portrait alongside medic and activist Kathleen Lynn, and the current President of the RCPI, Prof Mary Horgan.
”I was very tearful when I saw it first,” Laura’s mother Bernie said. “We’re so so honoured the RCPI would do a portrait in Laura’s honour. And at the same time, we think she well deserved it”. The Brennan family travelled from Ennis to the RCPI for the unveiling.
Prof Hogan agreed that Laura was a worthy addition. ”Her contribution and legacy will be felt in decades to come. Laura was somebody who, despite her illness and disease, advocated for the HPV vaccine and nearly single-handedly turned the tide on the huge drop to bring it up to where it is now to 80%.”
According to Laura’s brother, Kevin it is “tremendous honour” to see a portrait of his late sister gracing the walls of the RCPI. He paid tribute to artist Catherine Creaney who he said “captured Laura at her best”.
