A Brush With Kindness

Ann Dowling with her Ukraine painting JUNE22

t was 20 years ago this week that Ann Dowling’s 29-year-old son Brian passed away suddenly and without warning.

It was a shock to the system that the Delgany mother still feels today.

“Sudden loss is very painful,” says Ann, “and very hard to come to terms with as you never had a chance to say goodbye.”

It’s the kind of devastating loss that Ann recognises many Ukrainian families are going through right now, and it inspired her to put paint to canvas, to reflect the horror, devastation and loss that war brings.

And now, in memory of her late son, that painting is being raffled to raise funds for the Irish Red Cross.

“This is in memory of all these lost lives,” finishes Ann. “And it’s for all the loved ones left behind. Being there for one another during such times is what life is all about…”

You can buy a raffle ticket for Ann Dowling’s painting right here, and find out more about local Ukraine fundraisers and supports here.