Templemore woman Margaret's deft brush strokes raise funds for hospice movement
Many of us made changes to how we live our lives arising from the Covid lockdown experience.
Some people changed their daily routine, some moved location, while others took up new hobbies.
Margaret Ryan of Oakdale, Templemore, was one of those people, and her new hobby was painting.
Margaret could not have foreseen, when she started her first painting, how this new pastime would benefit others.
At a fundraiser last week Margaret sold her paintings and raised over €4,000 for North Tipperary Hospice Movement.
Margaret’s creativity was a hidden talent.
She did not pick up a paint brush until she was in her 80’s but quickly became immersed in the task at hand, spending long hours adding colour upon layer of colour.
Multicoloured giraffes, lions, horses and birds all leapt off the canvas.
Paint was everywhere, not just on the canvas, and her sitting room often resembled a Francis Bacon studio.
Over the last two-and-a-half-years, Margaret produced upwards of 70 paintings.
Canvases were stacked in every room in the house.
The question was asked - what would she do with them?
Having fundraised for North Tipperary Hospice Movement with her beloved late husband, Paddy, it was decided to sell her work, with all proceeds going to the hospice.
Templemore Library exhibition space was available in December.
It seemed like a good time to sell and a great opportunity for people to pick up Christmas gifts.
The paintings were on display in the Library from December 1st and an open evening was held on Thursday night last.
Margaret’s nephew, Prof Gerry Boyle, was MC for the evening. Cllr Peggy Ryan, Cathaoirleach of the Thurles / Templemore Municipal District formally launched the event, and Paddy Cadell, Dorothy Bradish and Eileen Kennedy represented the hospice.
A large crowd attended including those who travelled from Wicklow, Athlone and Limerick, along with local friends and neighbours.
John F Kennedy photographed the night and a singsong led by John Kelly brought the evening to a close.
Margaret would like to thank the generosity of all who attended or made donations.
She would also like to thank the event sponsors, Grey’s Funeral Home, Murphy’s Pub, CarePlus Pharmacy, Centenary, Lidl and Centra and a big thank you to Rachel, Margaret and Anne at Templemore Library.
A small number of paintings remain for sale in the Library so if you are still in need of that extra Christmas present then do drop in.
Your purchase will benefit a really worthy cause.