A rediscovered masterpiece of Celtic art
From Stephen Walker, Andover NY, detail from Saint Patrick’s Breastplate illuminated by Irish Artist Michael O’Connor.
“The spells of women, smiths, and wizards” were listed among the many dangers to body and soul in the famous Irish prayer called Saint Patrick’s Breastplate. Andover, NY jeweler Stephen Walker is honoring Saint Patrick with a recently rediscovered treasure of Celtic art. Fine art prints by a nearly forgotten Irish artist, Michael O’Connor, will be on exhibit and for sale at two local parades in Wellsville and Hornell. O’Connor created one of his best works in 1961, penning the words of Saint Patrick, decorating the page with beautiful Celtic style decoration and symbolism.
Walker is collaboration with Stephen Rynne in Ireland who rediscovered this lost artwork. Rynne and Walker are also working together to put present an international conference of Celtic artists this summer. Walker suggested publishing a fine art edition of The Breastplate as a way to revive the memory of this great artist and using the proceeds from sales as a fundraiser for the upcoming International Day of Celtic Art Conference in Ireland in June 2026.
Walker is collaboration with Stephen Rynne in Ireland who rediscovered this lost artwork. Rynne and Walker are also working together to put present an international conference of Celtic artists this summer. Walker suggested publishing a fine art edition of The Breastplate as a way to revive the memory of this great artist and using the proceeds from sales as a fundraiser for the upcoming International Day of Celtic Art Conference in Ireland in June 2026.
Pictured is Stephen Walker showing off a print of Saint Patrick’s Breastplate illuminated by Irish Artist Michael O’Connor.
Copies of the Breastplate print will be available at the Wellsville NY World’s Shortest Saint Patrick’s day Parade on Friday March 13 at 4:45 PM on Main Street and at the Hornell, NY Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday March 14 on Main Street at 11 AM. It may also be ordered online from Walker’s website at https://walkerscelticjewelry.com/products/st-patricks-breastplate-print.
Michael O’Connor, 1913 – 1969, was arguably Ireland’s most accomplished Celtic artist and calligrapher in his day. Why isn’t he famous? The simple answer is that this humble man never sought fame. O’Connor did create a number of pieces as diplomatic gifts, commissioned by Irish President Eamon de Valera, that were presented to various high-level dignitaries including President John F. Kennedy and Popes Pius XII and John XXIII.
The Kerry Writers Museum in Listowel, County Kerry will host the third in the series conferences for Celtic artists that was begun in Andover in 2019. From June 11 to 14, 2026. Lectures, presentations, art exhibits and teaching workshops will bring together artists and experts from as far as Australia, Hawaii, Scotland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Brittany and North America.
To enquire about the conference or purchase of the Breastplate art prints call Walker’s Celtic Jewelry at 607-478-8567 or email service@walkermetalsmiths.com
