Munster in 30 Artworks, No 22: The Tipperary Hurler, by Seán Keating

The Limerick artist used two models for his painting, hurler John Joe Hayes and IRA man Ben O'Hickey 

A detail from The Tipperary Hurler, by Sean Keating. (Picture courtesy of Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin)

Tipperary is a county renowned for the prowess of its hurlers and the fierceness of its fighters in the War of Independence. It could be argued that both traditions are celebrated in Seán Keating’s painting, The Tipperary Hurler, for which he used two models, the sportsman John Joe Hayes and the former IRA man Ben O’Hickey.

Keating, from Limerick city, was a mercurial figure in the Irish art world. In Dublin, he served as Professor of Painting at the Metropolitan School of Art and was heavily involved in the Royal Hibernian Academy.