Father and Son: Kevin Smyth and his lovely boy Niall.
Kevin, Siobhan and young Niall have very kindly granted me their permission to share with everyone the real reason behind having this painting commissioned. In early 2019 young Niall was diagnosed with leukaemia at the tender age of 6…every parent’s absolute worst nightmare and will be undergoing treatment until Spring 2022. He spent his 7th birthday in the Royal Hospital in Belfast. Thank God the wee lad is responding very well to all treatments and all roads are very encouraging.
The family holiday in Donegal often and the Boat Strand at Carrickfin, in their own words, is their “Happy go to place.” Siobhan took this photo of Kevin and Niall without their knowledge and it has been an absolute honour to paint it for them.
I painted it because every wee boy’s first hero is their father, but I think now we know the story, we also all know now who the hero is: Niall. Looking forward to seeing you back in Donegal very soon young man.
