True Tipperary hurling fanatics in particular, of which there are no shortage, will not want to miss the chance to view the only really significant painting with a GAA hurling theme, presently in the ownership of the Irish State, which has just gone on public exhibition at the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin’s Parnell Square.
'The Tipperary Hurler'
‘The Tipperary Hurler’, a painting by Limerick born artist Seán Keating, (Born 28th September1889) was an accredited artist and former president of the Royal Hibernian Academy. Seán, was the father of the 1970s Labour Party minister Justin Keating, former who died in 1977.
This painting is based on a sketch made by the artist at Croke Park, of Tipperary man and former hurler John-Joe Hayes from the townsland of Ballerk, near Thurles Town, Co.Tipperary. This beautifully portrait depicts a strong, rugged yet determined subject matter and was begun by the artist sometime between 1923 and 1925.
The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final of 1923 was held at Croke Park, in Dublin on 9th September. The match was contested that year by Kilkenny and Tipperary, with John Joe Hayes playing for Tipperary and with Kilkenny taking the coveted title by 4-2 to 2-6.
This painting was first exhibited in Amsterdam during the Olympic Games of 1928 and was eventually donated to the Hugh Lane collection in 1956 by the late Patric Farrell, an American who served as a producer and director of the Irish Theater and the Museum of Irish Art in the New York of the 1920’s and 30’s, and who only ever visited Ireland once in 1965.
The artist finished the painting using as his model, student Ben O’Hickey, who was at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art with Keating, to complete the painting. Ben O’Hickey later was to become a founder member of the IRA in Bansha, Co Tipperary.
Amongst Seán Keatings other recognised paintings are ‘An Aran Fisherman and His Wife’ (1916), ‘Men of the South’ (1921) (latter hangs in Cork’s Crawford Gallery and depicts a group of IRA men preparing to ambush a military vehicle) ‘The Mountainy Man’ (1926) and ‘Homage To Hugh Lane’ (1924), amongst many others.
A major exhibition of other paintings by Keating, curated by Dr Eimear O’Connor, is currently on show at the Hunt Museum in Limerick.
John Joe is depicted in the portrait wearing the jersey of the Commercials Hurling Club (CHC), which was founded in 1886 by young hurling lovers from the midlands of Ireland who had moved to find work in the many bars and shops of Dublin city.
Hi, I have a major interest in this club and story.
I have played hurling for the club now for 32 years and my father of 80 is still coaching.
Would it be possible to get a copy of painting for the club?
Neill, I am sure if you approach the Curator of the Hugh Lane Gallery with your suggestion they will try to assist you. Explain your unique association with the club and the picture. Art Galleries as a general rule photograph pictures in the event of theft for insurance purposes and therefore it should be possible to get a photographic copy.
My congratulations to your Dad on his long service to the club and the best of luck to you in your quest. Keep us informed of your progress.
I am a great grandson of Ben O’Hickey and am trying to find out any information about him or his family. My father is a son of Ben’s daughter katherine and was adopted as a baby. I would be greatfull for any information that anyone has about the family. Thank you. E-Mail: frosilero@hotmail.com
John Joe is depicted in the portrait wearing the jersey of the Commercials Hurling Club (CHC), which was founded in 1886 by young hurling lovers from the midlands of Ireland who had moved to find work in the many bars and shops of Dublin city.
This club is based in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, local sponsor is Louis Fitzgerald also a Tipperary man.
The artist finished the painting using as his model, student Ben O’Hickey, who was at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art with Keating, to complete the painting. Ben O’Hickey later was to become a founder member of the IRA in Bansha, Co Tipperary.
Hello.
My name is Tom Flynn and I had the privilege of playing for the Commercials Hurling Club in 1979/80. We won the Dublin Intermediate Championship and the picture is proudly displayed on the wall. The medal is framed along with my others. If you would like to contact me for a chat to reminisce over this great hurling achievement do not hesitate as I love to talk about hurling. Yes I still have my CHC jersey and would’nt part with it for diamonds. The portrait is amazing. Regards Tom
Just an update, allbeit 3 years later.
We had an 125 year anniversary 2 years ago and a former player came
Famous publican Charlie Chalk presented the club with a framed picture.
I’m pretty sure it was the origional.
Rgds.