Portrait of Vicky Phelan to be unveiled in honour of campaigner's first anniversary

placeholder image — Vicky Phelan tryptich portrait

A PORTRAIT of the late cervical check campaigner Vicky Phelan is to go on display at the University of Limerick later this month, to coincide with the first anniversary of her death.

The Vicky Phelan Campaign and Portrait Tour is a campaign for awareness and change, taking place in the Analog/Bernal building in UL on November 23 at 1pm.

The event will see the arrival to Limerick of the incredible portrait by artist Vincent Devine, presented by David Brennan, the portrait owner and friend of Vicky.

The portrait depicts the story of Vicky’s life in three panels, from her childhood through to her adult life, telling of her major traumatic events prior to her cancer diagnosis and her uncovering of the cervical check scandal in 2018 and beyond.

Originally, from County Kilkenny she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014 and made national headlines in 2018 when she settled a High Court action against a US-based lab.

Following the cervical check scandal, Vicky fought hard for change in the health services and how women and their families were treated by the State in the aftermath of the scandal. Her legacy and campaign will continue through this tour, which is supported by her family and friends.

It is an emotionally charged experience that recounts the incredible bravery of Vicky in her enormous fight against the legal might of the state in order to protect the lives of the women of Ireland.

The event not only celebrates Vicky's legacy, but also her long connection to the UL community, both as a student and during her career.

The mother-of-two, awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letter by UL and the Freedom of Limerick for her work, passed away at Milford Care Centre on November 14, 2022. The portrait unveiling will mark the one-year anniversary of Vicky’s passing.

This will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Shona Project CEO Tammy Darcy, and featuring Liz Yeates of the Marie Keating Foundation, Cian O’Carroll, solicitor and Caoimhe O’Neill-Forde of 221+ Support Group. The event will also feature guest speakers and cancer patient advocates Sarah Nally and John Wall.

Refreshments will be available from 12.30pm and there will be an opportunity to view the portrait afterwards.

Admission to this event is free and open to the public. Places can be booked on Eventbrite here.