Rab’s in with the bricks at The Barn

Kirkshaws artist Robert Boyle wanted to “give something back ”to Rab for being “such an inspirational figure ”to him and many other youngsters.

In a fitting tribute to the great man, Robert has painted a magnificent mural of Rab on the wall of the dedicated trainer’s beloved Barn boxing club.

Robert, 26, told the Advertiser: “I used to go to The Barn when I was younger as boxing was a hobby of mine and Rab was a fantastic man and trainer.

“I wanted to do something to honour Rab’s legacy and when I saw the photo of Rab’s face that was posted to announce his sad passing I thought, ‘that’s Rab’.

“I then decided to spray paint the image onto a wall at The Barn and it seems to have been very well received.

“Rab was one of a kind and his loss is a big blow to the community.”

Robert, who works for Arnold Clark, spray paints as a hobby and has received a welcome boost to further develop his tribute to Rab.

He explained: “I have just been told I am receiving funding from Select Blinds to paint the entire building at The Barn with further artwork of Rab, so that’s something I can’t wait to do in the future.”

Rab’s cousin, prolific Coatbridge comic book writer and movie producer Mark Millar, tweeted his approval of Robert’s mural:“A lovely tribute to my cousin Rab Bannan, a Coatbridge boxing legend who died last week.

“This gym is where he spent night and day teaching people self-discipline and changing their lives.”

To view more of Robert’s art work, visit https://www.facebook.com/Livingincolour-102961138146492

Artwork Robert Boyle unveils his tribute mural