What do you give the man that has it all? Limerick GAA officials and hurlers commission painting for JP
IT CAN’T be easy buying presents for JP and Noreen McManus!
Limerick GAA County Board and the county senior hurling team commissioned artist Clare Hartigan to paint the spirit of the three-in-a-row All-Ireland champions as a present for the McManus family to thank them for all their support. wanted to
Paul Foley, Limerick central council delegate, contacted Clare and asked her would she consider the commission.
“I'm still catching my breath as I think about it. Despite the shock and the nerves at the thought of it, I knew it was something I didn’t want to miss being involved in. There aren't many words to describe the feeling of being asked by your own locality, to represent such an important moment in our sporting history. The fact that the McManus family have such a strong interest in art made it a little easier but also quite a bit harder. No pressure at all!
“The whole thing is very emotional. The way the team and board handled themselves during the pandemic and the way they brought the county through with them. They brought us all together when we couldn't be together,” said Clare.
The Castleconnell-based artist picked a subject close to the McManus’ hearts to paint.
“Apart from the obvious connection that the McManus family would have with the image of the horse, in ancient Irish mythology the horse often represented the companion of the warrior. The way they run as a pack putting their bodies on the line, trusting each other to stay the course. The repetition of their movement and legs mimicking the repetition in training. Their strength, loyalty, power and companionship. The thunder and feel of holy ground beneath their feet.
“The constant promotion of togetherness and care by the McManus family within the wider Limerick community – it all came down to the idea of togetherness in the end, which eventually became the title of the painting. It was all very emotional and you could feel the love in the room at the presentation,” explained Clare.
The work of art is painted in oil but done in a drawn style as Clare finds that is the best way to create the movement that she tries to achieve in the painting.
Clare presented her painting to JP and Noreen McManus at a special ceremony in Adare Manor when the all-conquering hurlers were presented with their 2022 All-Ireland championship medals.
“It was such an honour to be asked to stand up at the medal ceremony in Adare Manor in front of such a prestigious gathering and tell them what it all meant to me. I am still pinching myself to be honest.”