A mural to commemorate the late Shane MacGowan has been completed in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary from where his mother hailed and where MacGowan, with an enduring love for the area, spent many of his days. The mural is located at Emmet Place, Nenagh, and is the work of Tipperary artist, Neil O’ Dwyer.
The mural was commissioned by Tipperary County Council (Nenagh Municipal District) and is fast 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.
Cllr. Fiona Bonfield, Cathaoirleach of Nenagh Municipal District, welcomed the completion of the mural and spoke of how much Nenagh and the surrounding areas meant to Shane and how fitting it was that this tribute now adorned one of the most prominent walls in Nenagh. “This is a work of art, created by Neil O’ Dwyer”, she 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 O’ Dwyer described this as one of the most enjoyable projects he ever had the honour of being part of. He has a great admiration for Shane MacGowan who he describes as a “master songsmith”. In the design it was his aim 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 the family took place in completing the design and each element has its own symbolism. The Celtic Shield represents protection and love, the red rose represents the debut album of The Pogues, ‘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.
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 6th October 2024 commencing at 2 p.m. 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 artist, Neil O’ Dwyer. Musician, Sharon Shannon has also confirmed that she will perform. 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.
