Offaly artist reads heartfelt prayer at Vicky Phelan's memorial service

THE Offaly artist friend of Vicky Phelan praised her commitment to others when he read a prayer at the cervical cancer campaigner's memorial service on Sunday afternoon.

Clara painter Vincent Devine prayed that we all be given the compassion and commitment Vicky Phelan had.

“Give us a strong heart which no worthless thought can drag down. Give us an unconquered heart which no tribulation can wear out. Give us an honest heart which no one can tempt to falter,” Mr Devine said, addressing the congregation gathered in the Church of the Assumption, Mooncoin.

“Give us, oh Lord, understanding to know you, persistence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that will bring us to your eternal kingdom, Lord of the compassionate.”

Vincent Devine was seated at the service with Vicky Phelan's solicitor, Cian O'Carroll, the Kerry writer Billy Keane and the Tipperary Labour TD Alan Kelly, who all played a part in helping her highlight the Cervical Check controversy.

The artist painted a giant portrait of Vicky Phelan (see below) which raised €46,000 for charity when it was bought by auction by Mooncoin man David Brennan and his wife Alicia.

David Brennan grew up with Vicky in the south Kilkenny village and decided to bid for the painting after seeing it on the Late Late Show.

Vincent Devine grew close to Vicky Phelan when he worked with her on the portrait, which illustrates her sitting on her favourite beach in Co Clare.

Speaking in the week after her death on November 14 the Clara man said: “It's been a very, very hard few days because I knew her so intimately and so well. A small part of me is gone and it's sad. It's sad that her kids are left without their mother.”

The memorial service was led by Mooncoin priest Fr Martin Tobin and featured musical contributions from Bressie, The Stunning and other acts, along with prayers and readings from family and friends.

As well as the hundreds gathered inside the church, the service was watched on a screen outside and at the local GAA club. It was also streamed live.