Rory captured ‘perfectly’ in stunning new painting

THE FAMILY of Strabane man Rory Carlin, who tragically took his own life last May following a battle with drugs, recently received a tender reminder of the young man’s life in the form of a stunning painting.

The painting was done by local artist and brother-in-law of Rory’s father Dominic, Ryan Coyle, who captured Rory in stunning monochrome, giving the family a new portrait of the boy they loved so well.

Ryan, an art teacher at St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s in Claudy commented, “It’s wonderful that this painting is getting recognised, for myself and most importantly the family. I’m connected through my marriage to Rory’s aunt Roisin. Both Dominic and Karen (Rory’s parents) have always been supportive of my work and it fills me with immense pride that I would be asked to paint something which is so personal to them, although I admit I was immediately apprehensive; I didn’t want to produce something to which they wouldn’t connect, that I wouldn’t capture Rory the way they saw him.”

Ryan admits that bringing the painting to life was an ‘emotional’ experience given his own connection to Rory. He added, “I really wanted to create something that the family could cherish; something to keep Rory’s memory alive and how we remembered him. The picture they gave me, of Rory in his beloved Strabane Athletic jersey, which gave him great joy, was perfect…

“Rory was a wonderful young man and couldn’t have asked for a better family, their push with the Rory Carlin Memorial Fund, helping those in need get the right support, is absolutely inspirational.”

Rory’s father Dominic also added his admiration, saying, “We’re overwhelmed by the painting and the support that the Memorial Fund still receives. At present we are at £57,000 and hope to raise more funds for the Koram Centre to provide support for those in the grip of drink and drugs. The next event is a trek up Mount Errigal on March 16 and everyone is welcome to come along and join us.”

He concluded, “Rory was the best lad and another family shouldn’t have to go through what we are.”