IF YOU GREW UP in 1990s Ireland, you loved Don Conroy.
The artist encouraged thousands of children to get creative, and his influence has barely waned to this day. Here’s why he’s the greatest.
1. He was the only constant in an ever-changing Den
Presenters changed, puppets changed, but Don remained the same.
2. And a man of many talents
Before becoming Ireland’s foremost owl artist, Don was a professional actor, and stood in for Mark Hamill when he was an extra on the set of The Big Red One.
3. Irish people of a certain age are totally star struck by him
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It’s DON.
4. Kids everywhere dreamed of having their artwork shown on Draw With Don
And greatly envied the Chosen Ones.
5. Now we still dream of having him draw us an owl
Some people have had that dream come true. We’re still waiting :’(
6. Or even just teach us how to draw one again, like old times
Just like he did on TheJournal.ie Snapchat (find them at thejournal.ie) earlier this week:
If you’re going to Electric Picnic this year, you’re in luck – he’s giving art lessons in the Jimi Hendrix campsite over the weekend.
7. Almost every household had a copy of one of his books
If you were a real fan you read his fiction too.
8. These days, he’s drawing owls for great causes
He produced this in the run up to the marriage referendum last year:
9. And indulging his passion for acting
He made a cameo in Moone Boy, and didn’t everyone just melt.
10. But he’s still just as much of a legend as ever
As long as we have Don Conroy, we will be fine.
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