THE GERARD BYRNE STUDIO. OFFICIAL OPENING BY LOUIS WALSH

Music impresario and 'X Factor' judge, Louis Walsh, an extensive private art collector, did the honours for the official opening of a new art gallery. On November 7th, 2013 a number of well known faces from the world of the arts, media, fashion and business joint the celebration of the Gerard Byrne Studio opening.

A gathering of 250 people attended to view the artwork and listen to Mr Walsh speaking about his commitment to Irish art in particular. 'I have even told Simon (Cowell) and Sharon (Osbourne) about Gerard's work. I am a huge fan and I believe it is particularly important for us to support Irish artists. Especially those of the calibre of Gerard Byrne'.

Finally Gerard Byrne addressed the significance of continued support for the arts. He said: 'It is an honour for me to be able to call this gallery my own. It is a significant cultural addition to Dalkey and indeed South County Dublin. I hope to use the gallery as a vehicle for promoting the arts on a wider scale in the future'.