On Tuesday 17 March, St Patrick’s Day, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco attended the private preview of an exhibition of paintings by Irish artist and poet Mary Collins with a group of specially invited guests. The exhibition, Images of Ireland comprising 27 watercolours, is located in the Principality’s famous Princess Grace Irish Library.
Prince Albert II, son of the late Princess Grace, with artist Mary Collins; photo Gaétan Luci, Palais Princier Monaco; courtesy Gantley and Associates
In a special message to coincide with the preview, President McAleese praised Mary Collins’ courage and perseverance in overcoming her disability. President McAleese also thanked the Princess Grace Irish Library “for its commitment to showcasing the work of one of Ireland’s best disabled artists."
Francis O’Hara (Nice), Martina Devlin (Dublin), Nicholas Toppin (Dublin); Martina Devlin, who writes for the Irish Independent, is the Writer in Residence at the Princess Grace Irish Library; photo Gaétan Luci, Palais Princier Monaco; courtesy Gantley and Associates
Tess Pugh (Shankill Dublin & Monaco), Marian Lennon (Nice), Florence Conroy (Mount Merrion) and Mark Armstrong (P.G.I.L Trustee, Director Sotheby’s Monaco); photo Gaétan Luci, Palais Princier Monaco; courtesy Gantley and Associates