Shane MacGowan mural to be officially launched with special event in Nenagh

A mural honouring Shane MacGowan has been completed by artist Neil O'Dwyer in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary – and is set to be officially launched with a special event in the town on Sunday, October 6.

The mural, located at Emmet Place in Nenagh, was commissioned by Tipperary County Council (Nenagh Municipal District). Already, it's become a hugely popular landmark in the town, with fans and friends of Shane travelling to visit the stunning artwork.

Cllr. Fiona Bonfield, Cathaoirleach of Nenagh Municipal District, says that the mural will serve as "somewhere that people will come to visit and enjoy the quality of the art – in the same way that they enjoyed the quality of the lyrics and music of Shane MacGowan."

Throughout his life, the Irish music icon maintained a strong connection with Nenagh, where his mother hailed from. His funeral was held in the town's St Mary of the Rosary Church last December.

Neil O'Dwyer, an established mural artist, has described the commission as "one of the most enjoyable projects" he's been part of to date.

"When designing the mural I wanted to portray a mature Shane as the performer, in a way that has each observer guessing as to what he might be thinking," he recently revealed on social media. "The Celtic Shield designs represents protection and love, and the red rose represents the Red Roses For Me album, and the fact that Shane loved roses."

The scarf Shane wears in the mural also includes references to ‘Fairytale of New York’ with Kirsty MacColl, the Pogues, the Pogue Mahone logo, Shane and his wife Victoria Mary Clarke, his parents Maurice and Therese, his sister Siobhan MacGowan, and his maternal relatives the Lynches.

Spider Stacy and Siobhan MacGowan at the Shane MacGowan mural in Nenagh. Photo: Louise Stacy

"What was important to us as a family was that Shane’s likeness and expression be captured by the artist," comments Siobhan. "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 at 2pm on Sunday, October 6, at Emmet Place, Nenagh, with the event set to feature music and song – including a performance from Sharon Shannon. A large crowd is expected, and those attending are advised to arrive early and park in one of the town's carparks.

Shane’s wife Victoria and his sister Siobhan, as well as the artist Neil O'Dwyer, will be among the attendees.