The work of Kerry fisherman Michael Kirby who fished around the Skellig islands all of his life is reflected in a new art exhibition exploring the connection between Skellig Michael, Ballinskelligs and the centuries-old tradition of venerating the Archangel Michael.
Kirby recorded his experiences in writing and painting after his retirement. A self-taught painter, his work “radiates vibrancy and colour with a natural sense of harmony ,infused with his intimate knowledge and love of everything he represented”, according to fellow artist Claire O’Halloran.
The work of Kirby and eight other artists including Skellig Michael guides Claire O’Halloran and Catherine Merrigan, and sculptor Holgar Lonze are on exhibit in the Community Hall in Dungegan ,Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry.
Mícheál Ua Ciarmhaic Michael Kirby ( 1906–2005) was the youngest of seven, all of whom emigrated to north America. He was the only one to return to Ireland, as he did in 1933, as his father was ill.
He fished for many years and later with worked with the then Board of Works on repairs and maintenance of schools. He married Peggy O‘Sullivan from Coom , Ballinskelligs, in 1943 and they had six children.
He suffered a heart attack in 1978 and on medical advice gave up strenuous physical work. That was when he began to paint landscape and also began to write, publishing eight books in Irish and three in English.
A selection of published books by Michael Kirby
The exhibition was initiated by David Walsh of Ballinskelligs, who still runs one of the passenger boats to Skellig with his father Brendan. It includes a mixture of photography and artwork in various media.
Other participants include Michael Hermann, Karen Hendy, Tetiana Popovich, Roisin Ni Chionnfaolaidh and Dominika Piekarski.
The exhibition continues at the Community Hall in Dungegan ,Ballinskelligs, until October 13th.
