PICTURES: Tipp FM's Fran Curry gets first tattoo to honour granddaughter

Fran never thought getting a tattoo would be on his bucket list, but the arrival of his granddaughter Ellie changed that.

“I had to decide on something and I thought getting Ellie’s handprint would be a nice idea,” Fran said.

“So we got her little hand and they put it in paint and they put it down on paper. And then when we got to the guy who was doing the tattoo, he put Ellie, which is her name, in the middle of the handprint,” explains Fran describing the tattoo design.

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While he admits the experience was painful, he described it as manageable and well worth it. The tattoo was done at the newly opened Prodigy Ink on Gladstone Street in Clonmel, a studio that left a lasting impression on him.

“I was so taken by the place too — it’s like a top-grade medical centre. It really is gorgeous inside. The guys there are so artistic too, I couldn’t believe it.”

Despite being nervous beforehand, Fran says he felt completely looked after once he stepped inside the studio.

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“I was absolutely terrified before I went in,” he explained. “I didn’t know what to expect, but their attention to detail and how artistic they were made me feel really at ease.”

Fran later shared the story of his tattoo on Tipp FM, prompting listeners to call in and talk about their own experiences with tattoos. Photos of listeners’ tattoos were shared on the station’s social media. “They were amazing altogether,” began Fran.

“One woman even rang in who got her first tattoo at the age of 80 — it was a butterfly,” he said.

While Fran has no regrets about commemorating his granddaughter in such a permanent way, he’s quick to clarify that one tattoo is enough for now.

“I won’t be running back to get a sleeve or anything,” he laughed.

All in all, the experience left him fascinated and proud, a lasting tribute to his granddaughter Ellie, and a first tattoo he says he’ll always treasure.

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