A CHILDHOOD PORTRAIT of Sinead O’Connor, along with another piece from the singer’s collection, have sold for a combined total of €28,000 at an auction aimed at raising funds for charity.

Both of the artworks donated by O’Connor to Whyte’s Important Irish Art Auction exceeded their estimates.

A spokesperson for Whytes confirmed that after fees, which are also to be donated by the auctioneers, the total amount to be given to charity will be €34,000.

The pastel portrait of O’Connor as a girl (pictured) was made in 1974 by artist Thomas Ryan, a former president of the Royal Hibernian Academy, and includes the signatures of both the singer and the artist.

The second piece, a 7′x3′ oil on canvas painting, is by artist Neil Condron. Entitled ’Upon Small Shoulders’, it depicts a small child sitting on rusting scaffolding in front of an Irish tricolour. The painting  was acquired by O’Connor and used as part of the artwork for her ‘How about I be me (and you be you)?’ album.

The proceeds of the sales are going to the Penny Dinners charity, based in Dublin, which aims to provide food for those in need.

A statement on O’Connor’s blog read:

At present 1.8 million people in Ireland are struggling to feed their children and themselves. That is 38% yes, 38% of the total population. There couldn’t be any more important issue to address. We would also like to send love to all who use the Penny Dinners programme.

Pictures: Ross O’Carroll-Kelly gets his own ort show
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