ARTIST CIARAN CREATES A LEDWIDGE WORK OF GENIUS
THERE is something unique about the work of Ciaran Dunlevy. (inset) Now regarded as one of the best artists in the country, he regards last week’s work in the heart of Slane as one of his very best.
Late last year he was approached in relation to a possible project in Slane, linked to the Francis Ledwidge centenary.
The idea was to paint an image of the famed warrior poet on the side of a building in the village, beside the community garden.
Having met the committee, the agreement was made, but the window of opportunity - to avoid the rain - would be tight.
‘I started the project last Tuesday night at 10pm. I worked through to 4am, went home for three hours sleep and returned to finish it all by 4pm on the Wednesday,’ Ciaran stated.
He had 75% of the project done by the 4am mark and when people passed it that morning they were shocked to see such a vision completed in such a short time.
‘ There was rain forecast so we had to get it done in a timeframe,’ he stated.
With James on the crane and Tom Kerrigan helping out with safety, the team delivered an expert job, with Darragh Kerrigan adding a catching logo.
‘It’s strange, but when I arrived home after completing it, I turned on the TV and there was a news report about Messines and they were reading quotes from Ledwidge!’
Ciaran says he always admired the poet and has read his work, so when he got the chance to paint a mural of him, it was a thrilling experience.
‘It is one of the best jobs I’ve ever done and the feedback I’ve received is incredible.’
McArdles provided the crane that was needed and Slane Credit Union sponsored the mural.
The iconic Ledwidge is set to be centrestage when the commemoration of the poet’s death takes place shortly.
‘It was great working with the Ledwidge committee on a wonderful project.’
It will now be interesting to see if Ciaran’s talents and that of other artists such as Alan Leech will be employed as part of the 2018 Fleadh Cheoil, taking place in Drogheda.
He says he’s love to be part of an artists programme, bringing a vibrant feel to the town in the months before the event.
Any officials wondering if artists can make an impact should pay a visit to Slane....