I was born in Galway city on Irelands' west coast, a city steeped in maritime history. Galway is situated on the banks of the River Corrib, where the great trout lakes of carra, mask and corrib drain to the sea. Connemara stretches to the west and the majestic Clare hills lie to the south, an anglers paradise. The sea and the marine environment has always played an intrinsic part in my life, angling along the western coastline has instilled a great appreciation of the natural beauty that surrounds us all.

The wild, rugged Atlantic coastline with its myriad of bays, inlets and tidal lagoons has offered a life-time of inspiration for generations of Irish artists.  For me, the thrills of watching huge unhindered waves crashing ashore, pounding, eroding and re-shaping this isle provide an endless subject. Only when one is truly immersed in their surroundings, that one is free to enjoy what is, all too often taken for granted.

Angling has given me the opportunity of witnessing the sea at its most tempestuous and gentle, to both the terrifying to the awe-inspiring.  I have been dwarfed by mighty 50 foot waves when facing storm-force eleven conditions aboard a small boat in clew bay.  I have watched  as evening faded into darkness where each cresting wave glowed green, by waters enriched with phosphorescent plankton and I have been fortunate to witness a magnificent display of the aurora over silver strand.

My paintings are the result of an obsessive compulsion to explore the beauty and solitude of Nature. Hours spent walking over rough terrain, along with the constant falls, cuts, bruises and near drownings , serve as battle scars and give a sense of  excitement to memories. I feel a great desire to capture on canvas the very essence of the sea when words alone fail, to do it justice.

In the great words of wisdom by some fool; "the sea goes the whole way around the island" and I for one will remain eternally grateful.