Tullamore artist 'devastated' by death of friend Vicky Phelan

Following the recent death of Vicky Phelan, Tullamore artist Vincent Devine, who previously painted a portrait of the healthcare campaigner, has said he was devastated by the news.

“We all knew it was going to happen eventually, but nothing could prepare me for the news. I found out early on Monday morning. It hit me like a tonne of bricks because I knew her so well.

“To hear that her fight had been lost was heartbreaking. She kept bouncing back. Maybe I fooled myself into the idea that she would be around a lot longer,” said Vincent.

The Offaly artist spoke to Vicky just three weeks prior to her death and she told him that her world had become very small. Speaking about his close relationship with the Limerick campaigner, Vincent said: “Me and Vicky became friends during and after the process of doing the portrait. I have to really get to know the person. Vicky was one of the first people who agreed to sit for me.”

Prior to this, much of Vincent's portrait work had been of deceased historical figures so this was the first time that he could really get to know his subject. According to the local artist, Vicky told him a lot of intimate stories and he felt as if he was doing the portrait for a friend and didn't want to let her down.

According to Vincent, the women's health advocate wanted the portrait to evoke a message of hope. “She wanted people to look after their health and say 'If she can do it, I can keep going'. Even though she got knock after knock she kept going. I take strength from Vicky."

Speaking about Vicky's pursuit of truth in the waks of the Cervical Check scandal, Vincent said it's important to go against something if it's not the truth.

“The only thing that made me happy was the fact that Vicky was happy with the painting. All I wanted to do was make her proud.”

Vincent said that he felt duty bound to do a good job as Vicky had been so open. His aim was to convey the tragedies and the joys in Vicky’s life, through symbolism in the anatomy of her body and different objects.

The portrait was unveiled during an episode of The Late Late Show and raised a whopping €58,000 for the Heroes Aid Charity.

According to Vincent, the Cervical Check campaigner's main message was for people to value their health and for women to get their smears done.

Vincent's portrait of Vicky depicts her sitting on a chair on a beach at Doughmore beach in Doonbeg, Co Clare. “That's where she wants her ashes scattered and where she wanted the painting set.

The former Moate Business College student believes that Vicky changed the landscape of health and had a particularly positive impact on women.

He said that if viewing the painting “causes people to re-evaluate their own health and maybe attend that medical appointment they have been putting off” he would be “a very happy man.”

Speaking about Vicky's legacy Vincent stated: “I think it's something that's going to keep going. The torch is passed and it's now up to us to continue that campaign in Vicky's name. We will continue to keep her voice alive.”

Vincent does talks in schools and colleges to inform people about Vicky's healthcare awareness campaign and he asked Vicky prior to her death if she was happy with what he was doing.

“She said 'Just keep going' That's what I can do to help secure that legacy for her by raising awareness for what she was advocating for.

The portrait of Vicky is displayed throughout Ireland to educate people about cervical cancer while also raising funds for various charities. Venue owners, event organisers and those interested in hosting the portrait for a particular occasion can contact the team by visiting vickyphelanportrait.com about making arrangements.

The portrait was purchased at a charity auction by Vicky’s lifelong friend David Brennan who wanted to ensure the painting remained close to Vicky’s family and friends.

Meanwhile, Offaly County Council have opened an online Book of Condolence to allow the people of Offaly to extend their heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Vicky Phelan.

The council has issued the following statement: "On behalf of the people of Co. Offaly, Cathaoirleach Cllr Frank Moran extends our sympathies to Vicky’s family and friends. We are all deeply saddened by Vicky’s untimely passing."

All messages of sympathy will be printed and forwarded in a Book of Condolence to Vicky’s family.

Anyone who wishes to leave a message of condolence can do so at offaly.ie

In 2011, Vicky underwent testing for cervical cancer as part of the CervicalCheck programme and was given the all clear. However, the smear reading was inaccurate and she was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. Following this, Vicky began a campaign to find out what had happened. The result of the investigation lead to a State apology in 2018.

Vicky wrote her biography, Overcoming which won the An Post Irish Book of the Year award in 2019. A documentary about the healthcare campaigner entitled Vicky was released in cinemas earlier this year.