Young artists set to launch joint exhibition in Dundalk tomorrow

Eimear Murphy (22), Dundalk and Eileen O’Sullivan (22), Ashbourne, Co Meath, who will launch their exhibition in Dundalk tomorrow

Eimear Murphy (22), Dundalk and Eileen O’Sullivan (22), Ashbourne, Co Meath, who will launch their exhibition in Dundalk tomorrow

Ashbourne and Dundalk-based emerging artists Eileen O’Sullivan and Eimear Murphy (both 22) will exhibit side by side in their show ‘In Search of Place’ at The Basement Gallery at  An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk from tomorrow.

The exhibition will open on Wednesday 14th January and will run until Saturday 14th February.

Final year Fine Art Painting students at The National College of Art and Design, Eileen and Eimear established a working relationship while organising projects and exhibitions together. However it was during their exchange to The Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp where they lived and worked together, that they began supporting and motivating each other in their practices.

Robert Armstrong, renowned artist and Head of Painting at NCAD is delighted for the girls. He says: “This exhibition is a great opportunity for two young artists at the beginning of their careers. Although the ‘place’ of the exhibition’s title refers to the personal and the domestic, the presentation of this show indicates that Eileen and Eimear are embarking on an enterprise that will lead to establishing a place for both of them in the art world and in the culture generally. This showcase of their work is marking a significant moment in their emerging careers.”

The exhibition ‘In Search of Place’ deals with a theme of ‘Place’ through the exploration of painting in an expanded context. The exhibition looks at ideas of belonging and questions how places carry traces of humanity.

Eileen’s work is concerned with the personal. Her subjects include family, the familiar and everyday objects. Eimear’s work explores the domestic environment. She concerns herself primarily with the traces human leave on spaces. They are both currently working on their final year theses and final year exhibition.

Bronze for Oliver at Special Olympics Euro Games in Antwerp

Oliver Hanratty

Oliver Hanratty

Dundalk-based Special Olympics athlete Oliver Hanratty has secured a bronze medal in the Bocce team event at the Special Olympics Euro Games in Antwerp.

Oliver, a member of the St Therese’s club from the Redeemer Family Resource Centre, is well known in the area as an amateur DJ and for his work in McGeough’s in Roden Place.

Also on the Irish team, who were in action yesterday, were Thomas Comer, Darren McClatchey and Kris Gilroy.

Well done Oliver!

UPDATE: Oliver also secured a silver in the doubles competition at the event.