A mural to commemorate the late Shane MacGowan has been completed and will be officially unveiled on Sunday, October 6.
The new mural from artist Neil O'Dwyer is located on Emmet Place in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, where Shane's mother hailed from and where the Pogues frontman spent many of his days.
The mural was commissioned by Tipperary County Council (Nenagh Municipal District) and is already becoming a focal point in Nenagh where fans and friends of Shane are flocking to remember him, pose for pictures, reminisce, and even perform music with the legend towering above them.
“This is a work of art, created by Neil O’Dwyer," Cllr. Fiona Bonfield, Cathaoirleach of Nenagh Municipal District, said.
"It will be somewhere that people will come to visit and can enjoy the quality of the art in the same way that they enjoyed the quality of the lyrics and music of Shane MacGowan."
Neil, who has a great admiration for "master songsmith" Shane, described his mural as one of the most enjoyable projects he ever had the honor of being part of.
The talented artist aimed to portray a mature Shane as the performer, in a way that has each observer guessing as to what he might be thinking.
Neil is particularly delighted that the mural has been so well received and that Shane’s family and friends are happy with it.
A lot of thought and consultation with Shane's family took place in completing the design and each element has its own symbolism.
The Celtic Shield represents protection and love and the red rose represents The Pogues' debut album "Red Roses For Me."
The scarf includes references to "Fairytale of New York" with Kirsty MacColl, the Pogues, the Pogue Mahone logo, Shane and his wife Victoria, his parents Maurice and Therese, his sister Siobhan, and his maternal relatives, the Lynches.
The dark and vivid coloring is a nod to the Celtic Punk background that was Shane’s.
The Shane MacGowan mural before it was completed. (Courtesy Neil O'Dwyer.)
Siobhan MacGowan, Shane’s sister, commented: "What was important to us as a family was that Shane’s likeness and expression be captured by the artist.
"That Neil has done this so beautifully, the mural having such a presence and strong sense of Shane, is everything we could have hoped for.
"We are very grateful to Neil O’Dwyer and Tipperary Co Council for this stunning tribute to our beloved Shane."
The official launch of the mural will take place at Emmet Place, Nenagh on Sunday, October 6 at 2 pm. There will be music and song and a large crowd is expected to be in attendance. Those attending are advised to arrive early and to park in one of the many car parks in the town.
Shane’s wife Victoria and his sister Siobhan will be among those in attendance as well as Neil O’Dwyer. Irish musician Sharon Shannon has also confirmed that she will perform.
Tipperary County Council said: "This promises to be another enjoyable day as Nenagh, Tipperary and the wider world celebrate a legend whose contribution to music will never be forgotten."
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