Successful launch for unique painting

Tuesday evening saw the Special Efforts Committee successfully present John Heron's 'Ards FC Through the Ages' painting.

A packed audience at the Ards Sports Club were treated to the official unveiling of the work, a superb canvas chronicling fourteen players who have represented Ards down through the ages.

The completed piece from artist John, a regular match-goer, had been a mere labour of love for the football kit enthusiast. But the industrious Special Efforts group were keen that the piece would see a wider audience and convinced John to officially market the painting.

Fourteen players are featured in the unique line-up, a real who's who of Ards FC legends. Set against the backdrop of Scrabo Tower and a packed Castlereagh Park, the players included, in authentic kit, are Darren Fitzgerald, Bob McGee, Billy Nixon, Michael O'Connell, Darren Erskine, Damien Byrne, Ralph McGuicken, Ray Mowat, Mick Lynch, George Eastham Jnr., Billy Humphries, Billy McAvoy, Andy Bothwell and Don Johnston.

High quality framed prints of the work sold extremely well at the launch and these remain on sale, priced at £17.50 and £22.50. It is planned to have the painting selling through a small number of local retailers in the run up to Christmas, but in the meantime they can be purchase at upcoming Ards games or from Sarah Atcheson on 077 3000 9076.

John Heron, with his work 'Ards FC Through the Ages'

24th November 2010

ardsfc.co.uk