Charlie Bird imagined with Ciaran Somers (Deputy principal), Aidan Bolger and Linda Dunne (Principal) in Colaiste Bhríde, Carnew on Wednesday. Pic: Jim Campbell
Charlie Bird with young artist Aidan Bolger from 6th year who won an unique benefit award in the Texaco Art Competition imagined in Colaiste Bhríde, Carnew on Wednesday. Pic: Jim Campbell
Charlie Bird pleased with the painting by young artist Aidan Bolger from 6th year who won an unique benefit award in the Texaco Art Competition imagined in Colaiste Bhríde, Carnew on Wednesday. Pic: Jim Campbell
Amy LewisGorey Guardian
Coláiste Bhríde trainee Aidan Bolger satisfied his muse when veteran reporter and broadcaster Charlie Bird visited the school following Aidan’s effective entry into the Texaco Children’s Art Competition.
A Leaving Cert trainee and gifted artist, Aidan just recently received a Special Merit in the contest for his picture of Charlie Bird entitled ‘Charlie Bird – An Uphill Struggle’. Aidan was motivated to select this subject due to Charlie’s bold public fight with Motor Neuron Disease for which Charlie has actually been actively raising funds and awareness through the campaign entitled ‘Climb with Charlie’.
On his check out to Carnew, Charlie, in addition to his better half Claire and dog Tiger, existed with a framed copy of the picture.
“Over the course of the last eighteen months and the Climb with Charlie campaign, we have received so many photographs and portraits and paintings, our house is filled with them. Then we got word that Picasso had also done a portrait and had won a prize in the Texaco Children’s art competition,” said Charlie.
“Then it was revealed to me that it was from a student here in Carnew, Wicklow. So Aidan, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this fantastic portrait of myself. It will get pride of place in my home, you really did a great job and would urge you to continue with your studies and continue painting. You have some talent Aidan.”
During the conference, Charlie provided Aidan with a signed copy of his book ‘Charlie Bird – Time and Tide’. Transition year trainees Hannah Lyons and Ben Kelly provided Charlie’s dog Tiger with a dog bandanna and treats, much to the amusement of all.
