This picture depicts the story of Ó Mhuir go Sliabh… “From the sea to the mountains” written by Máire, (Aka Seosamh MacGrianne… Máire was his pen name) Eamonn Óg lives on Oileán Eala (Eala Island) and his passion in life is the sea and island life. That simple life was shattered when Eamonn fell one day. He didn’t fall from the cliffs of Oileán Eala but fell head over heels in love with Malaidh Ní Bhraonáin from Carn na Madadh, deep in the hills of Donegal. Yes, she agreed to marry him but she would not marry Island life. Eamonn’s love for her superseded his love of the sea and with a heavy heart he moved to the hills and turned his back to the sea.
Maybe Máire’s (the writer) life had the same destiny when he left his home which can be seen in this painting and went to live in Dublin. He also turned his back to the sea.