Irish artist's paintings of Queen's historic visit to go on display before autumn auction, writes MICHAEL PARSONS

AN IRISH artist’s unique visual record of Queen Elizabeth’s State visit last month is to go on public display in Dublin before being auctioned in October.

Co Clare-based Michael Hanrahan was the only artist granted media accreditation to cover the first visit by a British monarch to the Republic.

At his studio in Ennistymon, he is completing a suite of seven paintings recording key moments of the visit including the Queen’s engagements at the Garden of Remembrance, The National Stud and the English Market in Cork.

The paintings will go on display in Dublin in October before being sold at auction by fine art auctioneers Whytes.

Mr Hanrahan (59), took early retirement in 2006 from his job as a bank manager with AIB to concentrate full-time on painting having done a part-time evening course at the National College of Art and Design.

Since then, his new career has flourished and his work - watercolours, oils and acrylics – has been exhibited in art galleries in Dublin, Kildare and Clare and has also sold at auction.

He has also been appointed an art instructor by the luxury cruise ship company Cunard which operates liners including the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Victoria.

The job involves sailing around the world – from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean - teaching passengers how to paint in watercolour.

When the Queen’s visit to Ireland was announced, Mr Hanrahan thought it would be “a wonderful opportunity for an artist to record a historic event” and contacted the British Embassy in Dublin, The Department of Foreign Affairs and Buckingham Palace to request permission.

He was surprised and delighted to be granted media accreditation in Dublin Castle. Last year he secured permission to paint the All-Ireland Hurling Final live in Croke Park.