Imelda May- The Mother of All The Liberties

If you found yourself walking along Meath Street over the last few weeks you might have noticed a striking new piece of artwork depicting the beloved Liberties local, Imelda May.

The popular singer songwriter and poet is illustrated with the words Mother of All the Liberties, which relates to her role as Kathleen Behan in the stage play Mother of All the Behans.

May regularly speaks fondly of her memories of growing up in the Liberties and how it has positively influenced her music and poetry. After sharing an image of the new piece on her Instagram she wrote “I’m so honoured to be recognised by Dublin canvas in celebrating the living, thank you so much.”

The artwork was created by Steve O’Toole who says he wishes he was still working on the installation due to all the “love shown” throughout the process.

O’Toole said on Instagram that he got the idea from writer Pat Ingoldsby. “Both he and I being admirers of Imelda’s work. A proud Dub, an immensely proud Liberties Belle, and a multi-faceted living Irish artist, as soon as it was thought of, she became the obvious choice.”

Looking at May’s Instagram for ideas, he came across an image that he knew he had to use. The picture, by Celia Bartlett shows May performing at the Cambridge Folk Festival, shortly after Sinead O’Connor died. She was wearing a black t-shirt with O’Connor’s name painted on it.