Local artist auctions off Shane Lowry painting for Geashill Ukrainian Support Group

A unique signed painting of golfer Shane Lowry hitting a hole in one in Sawgrass, Florida, goes under the hammer for charity later this month.

The Clara man's winning smile is captured with aplomb by talented local artist Conor McNally, who had been asked to come with a painting of the golfer to raise funds for a local support group in Geashill.

While the group expected him to do a quick caricature, instead, the Geashill native produced a one-off digital painting capturing Shane Lowry’s winning smile following his momentous hole in one.

It is an unusual painting as it has so much information from that big day, while also drawing you in to the talented golfer's celebratory smile.

A recent winner at Wentworth, Shane kindly signed the painting, and it is now for sale via an online auction for charity with a price estimate of €400 to €600.

Interested parties can submit their bid and can follow the progress of the auction on October 23 next at https://www.seaneacrettauctions.ie/

The painting is also available to view in the Bridge Centre, Tullamore until Saturday, October 30.

A young animator, Conor has worked on various projects in Birr and Belfast and has had a short film shown in Italy this summer.

While animation is his field, this was the first time he attempted a painting of this style, and the first time he has captured a famous person.

Conor is donating the proceeds from the auction to The Geashill Ukrainian Support group, who with the community in Geashill village and the wider area have provided three families with a home and independence.

The committee recognises that this war could last two to three years and is very grateful to Conor and Shane for contributing this signed picture to auction. This allows the committee to sustain the families over their stay.

The project started back in March and managed to fundraise a considerable sum of money to fund three mobile homes, situated on land donated by local woman, Bernie O'Sullivan.

The children were welcomed into the school and are settling very well. It is only when many saw up close people trying to rebuild their lives, they realised all they have lost.

See auction details at https://www.seaneacrettauctions.ie/