Creativity and Charity at Crescent College

Crescent Past Pupils Union (PPU) has purchased a signed portrait of fellow past pupil Sir Terry Wogan, beloved Limerick man and radio/television broadcaster best known for his work with the BBC in the UK. The painting is signed both by the artist and by Sir Terry himself.

Terry Wogan had a long-running BBC Radio 2 breakfast show ‘Wake up to Wogan’, and he also hosted the the Eurovision Song Contest on several occasions. His dry wit and quirky sense of humour were often the highlight of the competition for the huge audiences who tuned in to listen to his commentary rather than the songs.

Limerick artist and popular portrait painter Barbara Hartigan is selling her portrait paintings on one condition, that buyers agree to donate some of the cost to charity. The PPU has donated €500 to the Crescent ‘school pyjamas appeal’ in support of the Jesuit Refugee Service. They have also made a €500 donation to the Samaritans in Limerick in memory of former school French and History teacher Carmel O’Farrell who died in April last year.

Terry Wogan died in January 2016 at age 77. He is considered a national treasure in the UK where he was highly respected for his broadcasting skills. The painting will stay at Crescent College Comprehensive. Past pupil Dermot Maher says he “hopes the painting will inspire some pupils to consider a career in broadcasting”.