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06 Sept 2025

TRULY BEAUTIFUL: Stellar praise online for the finished Shane MacGowan mural in Nenagh

Artist Neil O'Dwyer marked its completion in a post on social media

Shane MacGowan

Reporter:

Daniel Ryan

06 Sept 2024 4:30 PM

Tipperary town-based artist Neil O’Dwyer completed his Shane MacGowan mural in Nenagh earlier this week and reactions to the finished piece have been nothing short of spectacular both locally and abroad. 

Neil posted to social media upon completion of the project saying: "Just completed one of the most enjoyable projects that I've had the honour of ever being part of.
"This mural tribute to master songsmith Shane MacGowan in his home town of Nenagh, was commissioned by Tipperary County Council.
"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.
"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 includes references to 'Fairytale of New York' with Kirsty MacColl, the Pogues, the Pogue Mahone logo, Shane and Victoria, his parents Maurice and Therese, with his sister Siobhan, and his maternal relatives, the Lynches.
"The dark and vivid colouring is a nod to the Celtic Punk background that was Shane's.
"Also, many thanks to Siobhan, Rosemary, Melanie and Odhran for their contributions to this project."
The reactions to the finished piece have been stellar in their praise. 
One social media user wrote "Well done, your work is amazing, you captured everything! Such a lovely tribute to Shane and his family and all of us who loved him."
Another said "Really incredible work Neil, so proud to have this masterpiece in our town."
Shane MacGowan's sister, Siobhan, wrote to Neil: "Truly beautiful ❤️ Can’t thank you enough for this stunning tribute"
The finished piece can now be seen on the gable end of a prominent building at Emmet Place just off Mitchell Street in Nenagh.

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