Fermanagh County Museum at Enniskillen Castle received a portrait of traditional musician Gabriel McArdle for its permanent collection. The painting by local artist Thomas Kelly, who lived from 1929 to 2001, was donated by the artist's son John Kelly.

John Kelly, a broadcaster and writer born in Enniskillen, presented the work. He noted that his father and McArdle knew each other as neighbours in Hillview and fellow carpenters. Kelly stated his father respected McArdle highly and that hearing McArdle play concertina introduced him to traditional music early on.

The donation event took place at Enniskillen Castle on April 17. Gabriel McArdle, Jim McGrath and Pat McManus performed music there.

McArdle explained the portrait originated from a discussion with Thomas Kelly after seeing images of musicians in Dublin. Kelly made preparatory sketches before completing the painting.

Sarah McHugh, museum manager, accepted the donation. She described the portrait as capturing McArdle with sensitivity and noted its value in representing a respected Fermanagh musician for local and visiting audiences.

The portrait appears in the "A Face in Time" exhibition at Enniskillen Castle through June 21.