Belturbet artist launches debut solo exhibition
Belturbet-born artist Eilish McCann, recipient of the First Solo Award 2026 from Louth Arts, launched her debut solo exhibition, 'Don’t Throw Bouquets', last weekend at Drogheda Arts Centre.
Curated by visual artist Vivienne Byrne, the exhibition opened at the Stockwell Street gallery on Saturday, January 31, and will run Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm, through February, concluding on March 7.
McCann works in oil and acrylic on canvas and paper, creating paintings that combine careful observation of everyday life with imaginative reinterpretations of classical works. Her exhibition’s title draws inspiration from a Sinatra rendition of a song from the musical Oklahoma!, sung by McCann’s late father, Brendan, former principal of Loreto College. This tune resonates throughout her works, reflecting themes of grief, ageing, and memory.
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Opening of Eilish McCann’s exhibition “Don’t Throw Bouquets” at Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda. Eilish is pictured here with the Director of Droichead Arts Centre Collette Farrell.Photo - Jenny CallananImage 2 of 8
Opening of Eilish McCann’s exhibition “Don’t Throw Bouquets” at Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda. Eilish is pictured here with the curator Vivienne Byrne and Director of Droichead Arts Centre Collette Farrell.Photo - Jenny CallananImage 3 of 8
Opening of Eilish McCann’s exhibition “Don’t Throw Bouquets” at Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda. Eilish pictured here with artist Jackie Hudson Lalor.Photo - Jenny CallananImage 4 of 8
Opening of Eilish McCann’s exhibition “Don’t Throw Bouquets” at Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda. Eilish is pictured here with John Poole and Marianna Murphy.Photo - Jenny CallananImage 5 of 8
Opening of Eilish McCann’s exhibition “Don’t Throw Bouquets” at Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda. Eilish is pictured here with Deirdre Kelly and Claire Harrington at the Opening.Photo - Jenny CallananImage 6 of 8
Opening of Eilish McCann’s exhibition “Don’t Throw Bouquets” at Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda. Eilish is pictured here with her son Seamus at the Opening.Photo - Jenny CallananImage 7 of 8
Opening of Eilish McCann’s exhibition “Don’t Throw Bouquets” at Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda. Eilish is pictured here with her son Seamus and husband Jim at the Opening.Photo - Jenny CallananImage 8 of 8
Opening of Eilish McCann’s exhibition “Don’t Throw Bouquets” at Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda. Claire Harrington and Annalise O’Toole at the Opening.Photo - Jenny CallananAfter many years away, McCann returned to her native border town and was awarded the Professional Artist Award 2025 by Cavan Arts, Cavan County Council. She has also exhibited nationally and internationally, including Beep Wales (2020, 2022, 2024) and The Lido Open (2023, 2025). Her work has also been recognised in prestigious competitions: she was shortlisted for the Jackson’s Painting Prize (2023) and The Hennessy Portrait Prize at the National Gallery of Ireland (2017).
The First Solo Award provides crucial support and funding for professional artists in the North East Region who have yet to present a solo exhibition.