A VICKY PHELAN portrait tour reaches Ennis at the end of January.
Having attended the recent portrait talk in Gort, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) described the event as “very emotional and thought provoking”.
She told The Clare Echo, “I decided that night that we had to have it here in Co Clare and also to celebrate another wonderful young woman, our own Laura Brennan”.
Danlann An Chláir will be the venue for the Vicky Phelan Portrait Tour and panel discussion on Friday January 26th, commencing at 7pm. It is a free event.
Clare Haven Services and Relay for Life Clare are partners for the event with Clare FM breakfast show presenter Colum McGrath to serve as moderator for the panel discussion.
Artist, Vincent Devine was inspired by Vicky Phelan’s courage to paint the triptych portrait.
Measuring an impressive 150 x 300 cms, Vicky Phelan’s life is conveyed as the past, present and future with the backdrop of Doughmore Beach in Doonbeg which she described as her favourite place on earth.
Vincent’s aim was to convey the tragedies and the joys in Vicky’s life, through symbolism in the anatomy of her body and different objects. The portrait was purchased at a charity auction by Vicky’s lifelong friend and fellow Kilkenny native, David Brennan. The two grew up together and their families share a close bond. David wanted to ensure the painting remained close to Vicky’s family and friends.
Vicky was a prominent women’s health advocate prior to her death from cervical cancer in November 2022. She was also a mother, wife, education specialist, cancer patient and justice campaigner.
Best known for her emotionally charged statement from the steps of the Four Courts in April 2018, she unearthed one of the biggest medical and political scandals of a generation.
First diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer in 2014, she became a very public figure, championing many causes, lobbying for experimental drug treatment and establishing the 221+ support group, all while fighting her own battle with cancer and caring for her family.
Vicky was a hugely inspirational figure and David is keeping her legacy alive by sharing her story and reminding younger generations of the importance of cervical cancer awareness and that one person can make a difference.
