AN awe-inspiring painting of Colm Cooper netting the goal against Cork in the 2007 All-Ireland Final has found a new home in Kerry Library.

The painting is called “Opening the Floodgates” by Killarney-based artist, Paul Downey.

It was bought by Dr Jim O’Sullivan at the Frank Lewis gallery in Killarney, but shortly after purchasing the painting, Dr O’Sullivan decided it would be best served being on view to the public.

‘The Gooch’ masterpiece, is now in year two of a three year stint going around the county, having spent last year in the Killarney library.

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“When I first saw the painting it immediately captured my attention, there is a slight distortion of the figures which increases the notion of muscularity and athletic dynamism,” said Dr Jim O’Sullivan.

“I decided to buy it on the spur of the moment. The painting isn’t suitable for my living room so I decided to bring it to the public and put it out on display,” he said.

“In the time it has been on the display, I understand a lot of people have seen it and enjoyed it including many young people. Unfortunately, when I was a kid I had no great access to football. I was probably a bit weedy anyway, but if I had been my present weight I would be a ‘Bomber’!” he joked.

With Jim was born and raised in Killarney, does he mind the painting moving from his hometown to Tralee?

“I think living around the place has made me now provincial enough that I don’t resent Tralee having a Killarney painting!” he joked.

After the painting has finished its tour of the Kingdom it will in due course be displayed at the renovated Killarney House and will eventually transfer to the proposed Kerry G.A.A. Museum.

If you are interested in seeing more paintings by Paul Downey CLICK HERE