A unique portrait of Vicky Phelan was sold for €46,500, raising valuable funds for healthcare workers. The painting was bought by a family friend of the Cervical Check campaigner after being donated to the charity Heroes Aid by the artist.
Who bought Vicky Phelan’s portrait?
The portrait was purchased at a charity auction by Vicky’s lifelong friend and fellow Kilkenny native David Brennan. The two grew up together and their families share a close bond. David wanted to ensure the painting remained close to Vicky’s family and friends.
Painted by Co. Offaly artist Vincent Devine, the artwork tells the story of Ms. Phelan’s life in three panels. This includes references to her cancer diagnosis and her work on behalf of the women caught up in the cervical smear controversy.
David Brennan, who bought the portrait, has promised to put the painting on public display in his hometown of Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny.
Despite being told in 2018 that she had less than a year to live, Phelan went on to live for four more years. She successfully campaigned for access to pembrolizumab, which shrunk her tumor and extended her life. She received further treatment in the United States, but in October 2021 she returned home to receive palliative care.
She died at Milford Hospice in County Limerick in the early hours of 14 November 2022, surrounded by her family. Numerous tributes were paid to Phelan from across the political spectrum and from her fellow campaigners
