Tommy McConville painting to be auctioned this Saturday

Local artist Michael Gavan Duffy will auction off a painting called ‘Tommy Mac Soccer Legend’ in the Lisdoo this Saturday night.

The portrait of the late Tommy McConville, which captures him in his playing days as well as more recently, will be sold to raise funds for the North Louth Hospice.

The auction concedes with an evening in the Dundalk FC legend’s honour that night, which will be preceded by a golf classic in Ballymascanlon earlier that day.

Anyone who can’t make it along can bid by calling or texting 086-8407275.

Earlier this year, Michael – a PA announcer at Oriel Park – auctioned another portrait of Tommy, who passed away last October. It was bought by a group of Tommy’s friends for €440 and subsequently donated to the County Museum in Dundalk.

Portrait of Dundalk FC legend Tommy McConville donated to County Museum

The late Tommy McConville’s close friend Dermot Keely with two of Tommy’s grandchildren at the handing over of his portrait to the County Museum in Dundalk

A portrait of the late Dundalk sporting legend Tommy McConville has been generously handed over to the County Museum, Dundalk.

The painting by Michael Gavan Duffy was auctioned in aid of the North Louth Hospice and Homecare Foundation, in memory of the legendary Dundalk footballer who passed away last October

The painting was successfully purchased for €440 by a group of friends headed by Tony O’Kane and Bill Elliot.

They then approached museum curator, Brian Walsh, with a view to donating the painting to the Museum.

Brian explains: “Tony and Bill came to me saying they wanted to put the painting somewhere that the public, and future generations in particular, would realise Tommy’s legendary contribution to Dundalk FC.

“From a Museum perspective, I accepted the offer straightaway. Tommy McConville was a sportsman of iconic status in Dundalk. His contribution to Dundalk FC – perhaps the town’s flagship sporting organisation – was immense and it is only fitting that his portrait will feature in the Museum in many ways in the years ahead.”

The 50cm x 70cm canvas will now be included in the County Museum Art Collection. This means that it will not be housed in a specific exhibition but will feature in many displays in the Museum’s future.

“We feel that the best way to remember Tommy in the years ahead will be to include the portrait in both Dundalk and sports-related exhibitions.

“In doing so, we will be reminding many visitors of Tommy’s contribution to his hometown and will also hopefully be bringing his story to new audiences in the future, those who may not have been lucky enough to have seen his brilliance on the pitch.”

Painting of Dundalk legend McConville to be auctioned this Friday

The painting of Tommy Mac

A painting of legendary Dundalk footballer by local artist Michael Duffy will be auctioned off this Friday in aid of the North Louth Hospice.

Michael, who is well known as the public announcer in Oriel Park, painted the picture of McConville in the wake of his passing last October.

Set during Tommy’s playing days, the painting measures 50cm x 70cm on canvas.

Private bids are being accepted by emailing Michael at mgduffy@iol.ie with the current reserve standing at €250. Bidding closes until 5pm on Friday, with the sale coinciding with the Tommy McConville Memorial Match, which will also be in aid of the North Louth Hospice.

At 7.45pm on the night the current Dundalk team will take on a Tommy McConville XI managed by Dermot Keely and Colm McConville.

The side will be made up of players from local football teams and will be skippered by Woodview Celtic’s Mickey O’Kane.