CHRONOLOGICAL
Co. Limerick, Ireland Acrylic on 72”x 47”(6x4 foot) wooden panel I took many reference pictures of this prominent local view, at different times of the day, and various weather conditions, before deciding on this midyear, midday scene.
Shanahan’s, Askeaton, Co. Limerick Acrylic on 12”x 12” canvas board Framed with mount 16"x 16" As the evenings get dark earlier in December, it’s ideal for appreciating the Christmas lights. Mary Cagney(née Shanahan) was very particular about making sure her seasonal shop front looked just right. Sadly Mary passed away just before Christmas last year, so I am grateful to have captured on canvas her approved decorations. These four young lads were very good to pose for the picture.
Askeaton, Co. Limerick Acrylic on 12”x 12” canvas board Framed with mount 16"x 16" This November, early every morning, I would hear Billy Harty riding past on his sulky. On this occasion I got to the window on time, and the local Garda happened to be passing too! Up the road a bit, you can see (Kevin)Davidson’s Pharmacy, the longest running of the two chemists in town.
The Deel, Askeaton, Co. Limerick Acrylic on 12”x 12” canvas board Framed with mount 16"x 16" A gratifying element of a little drizzle, is the chance of seeing a rainbow! I caught this one over the river Deel, from the bridge on an October afternoon. In the distance is the towns well used community hall. On the right, you can just see the top of the old mill storehouse. Which is one of a number of structures along the banks, that serve as a reminder of Askeaton’s industrial heritage.
Askeaton, Co. Limerick Acrylic on 12”x 12” canvas board Framed with mount 16"x 16" There are several plots around Askeaton that are frequently occupied by horses. This mare and foal were just up past the leisure centre, a September or two ago. They remember you if you give’m an apple.
The Old Train Station, Askeaton, Co. Limerick Acrylic on 12”x 12” canvas board Framed with mount 16"x 16" After a scenic walk south of the town, you’ll find Askeaton’s old railway station. Still home to Breda and Geraldine Dunworth, who hold fond memories of when their family used to manage and operate this train station. Visiting on this idyllic August afternoon, with one of his crafted Shillelaghs(walking stick) in hand, is local artisan Seanie Barron and his dog Monty.
“The Lep”, Askeaton, Co. Limerick Acrylic on 12”x 12” canvas board Framed with mount 16"x 16" Although Askeaton has a superb leisure centre and pool, the Lep waterfall is an alternative swimming spot frequented by locals. Here we have Jim and Mary O’Donoghue, enjoying a Saturday morning soak in July. On the bank is John McMahon, out for a walk with his dog Snoop.
Moran’s, Askeaton, Co. Limerick Acrylic on 12”x 12” canvas board Framed with mount 16"x 16" Moran’s hardware shop, with flowers out front for June. This wonderfully traditional family owned business has been serving the community for nearly a hundred years. You’d be surprised how far this building goes back, fully stocked with all your hardware needs and more. Elsa the little dog is back there, stead behind her “line”. Not to say I haven’t seen her venture down to the square a time or two.
East Square, Askeaton, Co. Limerick Acrylic on 12”x 12” canvas board Framed with mount 16"x 16" A view(from my window) of Askeaton’s Friday market, in May. You know the time is quarter past nine, as that’s when the postman’s route takes him down Barrack Road to East Square. I’m glad I got a good reference photo while the Bank of Ireland occupied that building, although I’m looking forward to see what’s in store for the community regarding this fine structure.
West Square, Askeaton, Co. Limerick Acrylic on 12”x 12” canvas board Framed with mount 16"x 16" A pleasantly typical weekday morning in Askeaton. It’s a bit before nine o’clock, as you can see the children going up the west end of Main Street towards Askeaton Junior School. That’s John Kennedy(AKA “Blondie”) cycling his bike, as he routinely does just about every morning, rain or shine.
The Abbey, Askeaton, Co. Limerick Acrylic on 12”x 12” canvas board Framed with mount 16"x 16" Another magnificent structure here in Askeaton. Regarded as one of the most beautiful complete ruins in the country. Askeaton’s venerable Franciscan abbey, lit up green for St Patrick’s day.
East Square, Askeaton, Co. Limerick Acrylic on 12”x 12” canvas board Framed with mount 16"x 16" It doesn’t snow much, so I’m glad I ran outside to catch this winter scene. Although it was a harsh Monday morning in February, the lights from Shanahan’s shop(a fixture of the town for over seventy five years) invites you up the road.
Desmond Castle, Askeaton, Co. Limerick Acrylic on 12”x 12” canvas board Framed with mount 16"x 16" The monumental ruin of Desmond Castle is undeniably the most prominent structure of Askeaton. This January sunset was such a perfectly dramatic backdrop for this building of so many stories. There is on going preservation and restoration, so it seemed right to subtly include an impression of the scaffolding.
Oil on stretched canvas. 16"x 20"
Oil on stretched canvas. 12"x 16"
Oil on stretched canvas. 12"x 16"
Oil on stretched canvas. 12"x 16"
Acrylic on stretched canvas. 12"x 12"
Acrylic on stretched canvas. 12"x 12"
Acrylic on stretched canvas. 12"x 12"
Acrylic on stretched canvas. 12"x 12"
Acrylic on stretched canvas. 12"x 12"
Acrylic on stretched canvas. 16"x 20"
Acrylic on stretched canvas. 12"x 12"
Acrylic on stretched canvas. 12"x 12"