Picture. Robbie Reynolds
A STRIKING piece of specially-commissioned street artwork was unveiled in Dublin today to mark the golden jubilee of an organisation co-founded by a Kerryman.
The late Bill O’Sullivan, from Slievenashaska in Sneem, was at the helm when the Irish Haemophilia Society was founded in 1968 and 50 years on, his nephew, Brian O’Mahony, from Killarney, is spearheading the organisation.
The artwork, unveiled on Macken Street in Dublin 2, to mark the 50th anniversary, reflects the personal experience of patients and staff affected by haemophilia which is a lifelong blood disorder. It represents connections between the haemophilia community moving towards a brighter future and completing the domino effect of the blood clotting process.
The contemporary visual, commissioned by the Irish Haemophilia Society, in partnership with Roche, was developed by artist Shane O’Malley and it was revealed to coincide with World Haemophilia Day and the artwork is also displayed as a canvas at St James’s Hospital.
Picture: Robbie Reynolds
Haemophilia is a genetic blood disorder in which there is a defect in the clotting mechanism of the blood and it affects approximately one in 5,500 people in Ireland.
Marking the anniversary, Minister for Health, Simon Harris, remarked: “Ireland leads the way in treatment and management of haemophilia thanks to a long history of cooperation between the Department of Health, healthcare professionals and the Irish Haemophilia Society”.
He added: “As we mark the 50th anniversary, it is important to recognise the tremendous work that has been done to support patients and to develop more advanced treatments”.
In recognition of World Haemophilia Week, cities around the world will light up major landmarks in red this Tuesday night and a series of prominent buildings in Ireland will join others across the globe in lighting up.
The illuminated buildings will include Liberty Hall, Dublin Convention Centre, the Mansion House, the National Concert Hall, the Civic Offices at Wood Quay, the CHQ Building, the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and Cork City Hall.
Brian O’Mahony, Chief Executive of Irish Haemophilia Society, said: “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we can reflect on the tremendous improvements in haemophilia treatment in recent years and work to ensure Ireland remains at the forefront of haemophilia treatment innovation”.
He added: “The move to world class haemophilia care and the development of a very strong, effective and empathetic Irish Haemophilia Society is the best possible memorial to all of our members who did not survive to see this bright new dawn for haemophilia care”.
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