"Portrait, Gabriel McArdle"
Artist/Maker
Kelly, Thomas
Technique
Oil painting
Caption
Gabriel McArdle is a celebrated singer and concertina player from Kinawley, County Fermanagh. He is regarded as one of the finest singers in the Ulster tradition. This beautifully expressive portrait by artist Thomas Kelly (1929 - 2001) captures Gabriel McArdle’s likeness with sensitivity and character.
“My father Tommy Kelly was a very talented artist and Gaby, as we know, is a hugely important figure in traditional music. Carpenters by trade, the two men knew each other well, and my father always held Gaby in the highest regard — as I do myself.”
(John Kelly, Enniskillen born broadcaster and writer)
Credit
Kindly donated by the artist’s son, John Kelly
Copyright
The Artist's Estate
Object number
FCM_2026_020