Anyone who is familiar with West Donegal will know this iconic image.
“Bád (Boat) Eddie” was owned by local fishermen Eddie Gillespie and it went a ground on Magheraclogher beach ( a predominantly Irish speaking area of West Donegal… Gaoth Dobhair ) in the 1970’s and has made its home there ever since. In the following years it became a playground for kids exploring and jumping into the sea, an inspiration for painters, photographer’s, poets, writers and musicians also and one of Ireland’s most photographed landmarks, Weddings in particular.
In 1985 Clannad and Bono shot their video here for their collaborative hit “In a Lifetime” which was a beautiful piece of work also.
It has deteriorated badly with getting battered by the wild Atlantic and all its extreme elements but “Eddie” is hanging on in there with all his might! There has been a great push to restore and make it a permanent Sculpture set in the sea, the first of its kind. I hope I have immortalised it’s character here in this Oil Painting.
7 Responses
I love your work, and it means so much more when I read the story behind it.
Thank you so much Michael
Wow! Just come accros this now ,what a beautiful painting to accompany the wording of this nice story . Facanating how things like this touch the human heart.
Thank you! 🙏
♥️
Hi – Are copies or prints of this beautiful oil painting available for sale online? If so, I’m interested in possibly purchasing one, but live in Seattle, Wash., USA.
Hi Eddie… I hope you are able to buy online and I will ship your order once payment has come through. I do sell to customers in the U.S so I hope all is straightforward for you also. Any problems, please get in touch. Mórag