Kilcullen link to 'BOD' painting

There's a Kilcullen connection to a painting which will be hung in pride of place at the Aviva Stadium for tomorrow's Six Nations game against Italy, writes Brian Byrne.

The painting is 'BOD', and features the said Brian O'Driscoll in action during the game against France. The story is featured on today's Irish Independent.

It was painted by Leo Clancy, who is the father of our affable Kilcullen florist Dave Clancy.

The artist says the painting, with 12 other players as well as BOD, is an allegory to Da Vinci's 'Last Supper', which features Jesus Christ and 12 disciples.

Leo Clancy was born in Dublin in 1944. He studied at the National College of Art, attending life drawing classes tutored by Maurice McGonigal RHA and portrait painting under George Collie RHA. He has had numerable successful solo and group-exhibitions throughout Ireland and has exhibited work in several Royal Hibernian Academy and Oireachtais Art Annual Shows. He was also the winner of the third prize and seveal commendations in the CDL National Art Competition.

Leo's choice of subject includes landscapes, rural farming scenes, portraiture and still-life. His work may be found in many private collections throughout Ireland, the UK, USA and Germany.