Offaly town mourns following death of talented artist

MANY people in Birr were in mourning recently following the death of talented artist Frank (Frankie) Gallagher.
Frankie was well-known for his friendly nature, his decency and his love of painting. He lived on 18 High Street, Birr, and passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday May 21st.
He was predeceased by his parents Brendan and Peggy and brothers and sisters and is survived by his wife Dympna, his sister Anne, brother Brendan and all his relatives.
Senior Occupational Therapist Ethna Carroll of the Birr Community Mental Health Team was working on an article for The Midland Tribune about Frankie's artistic talent when the very sad news came through that he had passed away after an illness bravely borne. Ethna talked to Dympna about whether the article should be published or not, and Dympna said she would like to see the article in print.
This is Ethna's article:
“Artist Frankie Gallagher was one of Birr’s many treasures.
He was well known to many in Birr and the surrounding areas. You might have bumped into him in the town and had a friendly chat. For most people they would have known Frank as a local artist. His name was recognised as being one of the main contributors to the art exhibition as part of Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival.
Vintage Week was one of Frank’s favourite times of year and he always embraced the opportunity to dress up in beautiful, elegant vintage attire.
Without realising it you have walked past some of his wonderful wall paintings in various parts of the town.
Frank had a keen eye for detail, colour and noticing the beauty around us.
Many of Frank’s paintings depict local, well-known locations in the town.
He was delighted when Birr Tidy Towns approached him to ask him to share his talents. ‘There is a little old lady looking out the front door of old Mrs Burns' House’, said Frank. This is sure to bring a smile to all passing, and just one of a number of paintings Frank completed with the support of Birr Tidy Towns. Frank recalled with pride what it meant to him when he was first asked.
Frank painted for most of his life.
Initially dabbling with art at the Brother’s National School, he fell in love with this creative medium. He was self-taught and mastered acrylic, water colour and charcoal.
Art and painting meant so much for Frank. He openly spoke to me about this lifelong journey with painting. He told me that art played a huge part in supporting his mental wellbeing, giving him much purpose.
Getting into the flow when painting, enabled Frank to switch off from life’s worries as he totally immersed himself in the creative medium. It brought him much joy and a huge sense of satisfaction.
When asked where he got his inspiration from Frank drew on his love of the local scenery and the historic architecture in the town.
When the weather was favourable, Frank often took his easel and materials outdoors. On other occasions he used a photograph or a post card for inspiration. He used such sources for the many commissions he was asked to complete.
Frank paid much tribute to his wife Dympna, without whom he believed he could not have achieved so much.
‘I am so proud of all Frank’s achievements,' commented Dympna, 'and how he has given so much to so many in Birr.'
Through his art Frank assisted many others. He had kind memories of helping Shona with her Leaving Cert.
Frank was pivotal to the establishing of and facilitation of an art class with service users attending Birr Community Mental Health Centre. This was how I first met Frank. He had such a warm personality and inspired many, not only by his art, but his positive outlook and kindness to all. With franks’ encouragement and guidance, it was their first time that the members of Birr Community Mental Health group discovered their artistic talents.
Frank asked me to share the following words of advice with anyone considering taking up art or drawing for the first time: ‘Give it a go and enjoy it, we all have a bit of art in us!’