Dunboyne artist captures CMAT's sparkle for local restaurant

After a hectic weekend full of surprises for 'Dunboyne's Diana' CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson), the singer's home village had a gift to give back to the star.

In one of her most visited restaurants in her home town, La Bucca Dunboyne, now hangs a stunning portrait of the singer.

When CMAT jokingly mentioned to staff a few weeks ago that she would love to be displayed on the walls of the restaurant alongside other famous faces, owner Dan Griffen knew he had to make it happen.

Dan contacted Dunboyne based artist Niall O'Loughlin, who had previously painted other artworks hung in the restaurant, such as portraits of Christy Dignam and Bruce Springsteen.

Niall was more than happy to take on the task, and with just a week to complete the painting, he worked tirelessly to get it done.

Niall said: "I chose to do the painting on a round canvas as I wanted it to stand out and to be different to the other artworks in the restaurant.

The painting even has tinsel in certain parts of it which catches the light. I wanted the painting to be special as CMAT is the only Dunboyne native hung on the wall."

CMAT returned to La Bucca on Saturday night for dinner before surprising those at her local Brady's pub with an acoustic gig of her entire sold out 3Arena set, only to be greeted with her own portrait hanging on the wall.

CMAT was so impressed by the painting that she asked if it would be possible to meet the artist, to which Niall arrived down to the restaurant to pose for pictures with CMAT and the painting.

The painting is a particularly special piece and is one of a kind, as no prints will be available to purchase of the piece, which represents how truly special and unique CMAT is to her home town of Dunboyne.

More of Niall's art is available to view on his Instagram page by clicking here.