A young Cavan artist whose painting of two medics on the frontline has gone viral says he is overwhelmed with the response he has received so far.
Adam Crowe from Cootehill had seen a photo online that had been taken at a hospital in Florida, showing two frontline workers sharing a moment.
The 23-year-old said the picture conveyed so much emotion that he decided to paint it during lockdown.
"I think the picture captured the sadness, compassion, support and fear at the time," he said. "It was like the PPE was their weapons of war.
"I have to admit I just got lost in the painting."
Since posting a photo of the painting online, the young artist says he has been inundated with people contacting him.
He says he has received thousands of likes on Facebook and cannot believe the reaction.
"My sister begged me to put it on Facebook and it just went mad," Adam said. "I've had people all over the world contacting me.
"My two sisters, Jordan and Sarah, are nurses, and my girlfriend is also training to become a nurse. I've seen first hand the fear in the early days of the pandemic."
Adam said news of the painting has also reached the hospital in Tampa, Florida, where the original photo was captured.
"They've been in touch with me, so you could say it's gone worldwide," he said. "They want a copy too. This is the first time I've ever shown my art.
"I've been drawing all my life but I'm overwhelmed with the response so far".
Today, Adam presented a print of the painting to the staff at his local hospital, Cavan General Hospital, to thank them for all their hard work on the frontline.
"They were delighted because they feel like they've been forgotten" he said.
Adam Crowe is selling copies of his painting, in the hope he can raise money for frontline workers.
