‘I want to honour their contribution': Co Down artist creates green jacket tribute for Rory McIlroy's parents

Belfast Telegraph

6 days ago

Kathryn Callaghan creates her work using a unique blend of ink and gravity, which has helped her garner thousands of views on TikTok.
Her initial artwork of the golf star featured McIlroy posed in mid-swing in honour of his Masters victory this year – making him just one of six players to achieve a career grand slam.
For Kathryn's latest unveiling, titled If The Jacket Fits, she painted the famous green jacket in her signature style and dedicated it to his mum, Rosie, and dad, Gerry.
She said she wanted to honour the pair for the support they have given their son over the years.
Watch: Artist gifts stunning artwork to Rory McIlroy's parents
'My piece was a recognition that outstanding achievements start at home and often take years, if not decades, of hard work and sacrifice before coming to fruition,' Kathryn explained.
'As a parent myself, I wanted to honour the contribution that Gerry and Rosie have made. When Rory won the grand slam, it was their moment as well. I really hope they love it as much as I loved working on it.'
The piece comes after Kathryn produced a series of works to celebrate Northern Ireland's golfing landscape. All 13 paintings are on display at The Bushmills Inn and depict Royal County Down, Royal Belfast, Royal Portrush and other courses.
Kathryn explained she was inspired by the 'beautiful' courses here and tried to reflect this while still keeping to her style.
'I would've loved to have been a golfer, I've taken several lessons, but I had to accept that my talents lie elsewhere,' she said.
'Travelling to the courses throughout last winter was a brilliant experience. There was always someone there to give you a warm welcome and explain what was special about each place.
'For me, it was about trying to capture the essence of each course, that's what I want to put onto the page when I am pouring. I want people to be able to look at the painting, to close their eyes and feel transported to that place.
'We have so many stunning courses, especially our links courses. They are just beautiful places and visitors coming here for the first time can't believe how special they are.'
Kathryn earned her fine arts degree at Belfast Metropolitan College over a decade ago and said she discovered her painting style almost by accident.
She forgoes a paintbrush or palette and instead pours ink from a height onto the canvas with the final product being a blend of splatter and her original design.
'It might seem strange, but this technique allows me to work fast and gesturally, freeing me from the constraints of a sub-sketch,' she said.
'Gravity has as much to do with the process as anything. There is energy harnessed as the ink falls from bottle to the surface and just enough of an element of losing control to allow the ink to make its own unplanned marks.'