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Irish Artist Damian Walker was a guest speaker at the Irish Community Care Merseyside (ICCM) Annual Review in November 2008. He delivered a speech to the staff of ICCM thanking them for continuously helping him and his family over the eight years he lived in Liverpool: he said he feels forever in their debt.

Damian wanted to give a tangible token of appreciation, and, as an artist, it naturally took the form of a painting. In January 2009 the painting was delivered to ICCM, delighting staff, management committee and service users. The painting will take pride of place in ICCM's proposed new office accommodation in Liverpool.

Breege McDaid, ICCM Director, said: 'Damian's ability to work through the many challenges confronting him in trying to settle well into life in Merseyside has been an inspiration to us all here at ICCM. The centrepiece of the painting is the Saint Brigid's Cross - ICCM's logo - and the renowned Liverbirds. The cross is surrounded by the most beautiful Celtic artwork. The painting is absolutely fabulous!"

Damian's art work focuses on the Irish community: one community, he says, united and supported by its Irish culture and history, and represented by Damian - heart and soul - in his art. Damian says: "I have an aim to show the beauty and history of Erin to an international audience through my art. To have a piece of my work in Irish community centres across England would not only be a stepping stone for me, but also a great achievement for myself and my art."

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