Tipperary town-based artist completes another fantastic mural in Nenagh

Emmet Place in Nenagh has cemented its reputation as an open-air gallery thanks to the work of Tipperary town-based artist Neil O’Dwyer of Irish Murals.

His latest project has now been completed, transforming the area with colour, culture, and a deep sense of place.

The finished mural depicts Luska on the Broad Majestic Shannon, an area beloved by the late Shane MacGowan. It stands as a subtle yet powerful nod to the legendary songwriter and poet, whose connection to Tipperary continues to inspire both locals and visitors.

Sharing the work on his Irish Murals Facebook page, O’Dwyer explained: “Another Nenagh wall complete.

"Celebrating The Broad Majestic Shannon by Shane McGowan. This mural shows the view from Luska, which was a favourite spot of his. The main element illustrated from the song is ‘where we once watched the row boats landing’.

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Also, the ‘gap in the wall’, the ‘old hurley ball’, and ‘a fiddle that played Sean Dun Na Gall’. Also, the robin on the rock is ‘where small birds sang’, and can be interpreted as a ‘Fairytale’ Christmas reference and also a reference to Shane’s passing. I painted the final verse lyrics in an old Irish font as a nod to Shane’s love of his Irish and gaelic heritage. I was thrilled to be commissioned by Tipperary County Council to design and paint this homage to ‘The Broad Majestic Shannon’.”

Local community page Nenagh 800 also praised the finished piece, writing: “It’s finished! Well done to artist Neil O’Dwyer from Irish Murals. This is indeed a work of art – another one! Already people are calling down to see it and the feedback is full of enthusiasm and wonder – wonder how one man can put so much thought and inspiration into delivery of what is an iconic picture telling a story. The story of the Broad Majestic Shannon – look closely and see the individual elements that make up this story. And the rowboat is now moored! Don’t just look at the pictures – come down and view the original and the Shane MacGowan original. Sit on the bench and watch the world go by. Let the warm blue colours of the lake make you feel that you are down by Lough Derg, listening to the songbirds and maybe hear in your imagination the strains of the tune on the fiddle as the gentle breeze ripples the waters.”

O’Dwyer is no stranger to Emmet Place. Last year, he completed a striking mural tribute to Shane MacGowan on a nearby gable wall, commissioned by Tipperary County Council. That piece, which showed a mature MacGowan in performance, was rich in symbolism: Celtic shield designs for protection and love, a red rose referencing the Red Roses for Me album and MacGowan’s love of roses, and a scarf interwoven with references to his music, family, and heritage.

The reaction to that mural was extraordinary. Social media lit up with praise, from locals proud to see such a tribute in their town, to fans further afield who hailed it as a fitting homage. “Really incredible work Neil, so proud to have this masterpiece in our town,” wrote one admirer, while Shane’s sister Siobhan MacGowan described it as “Truly beautiful Can’t thank you enough for this stunning tribute.”

Now, with his newest mural completed just steps away from the first, O’Dwyer has further transformed Emmet Place into one of Nenagh’s most vibrant and talked-about spaces. His trademark attention to detail and ability to blend artistry with cultural resonance ensure that each work is more than decoration—it is a celebration of identity, memory, and community.

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