Longford sculpture presented to Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust founders

The work of Longford artist Kevin Casey was presented to the founders of a voluntary organisation that has assisted thousands of bereaved families.
Kevin's sculptures are in public and private collections at home and abroad. His workshop and studio are situated beside Lough Ree at Barley Harbour in Newtowncashel, Longford.

His latest piece was presented by the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, to Colin and Eithne Bell, founders of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) to Iveagh House.
The Tánaiste presented Colin and Eithne Bell with a sculpture made from ancient bog oak titled Homecoming. Homecoming, created by artist Kevin, symbolises the hand of friendship and support that the KBRT has provided to families across Ireland since it was established in 2013.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, through its Embassies and Consulates overseas, has developed a close working relationship with the KBRT. The KBRT is the only charity of its kind on the island of Ireland and was established by Colin and Eithne Bell in memory of their son Kevin, who died tragically in New York in 2013.
The Kevin Bell Trust recently assisted the O'Connor and McNally family after Sarah McNally died after being stabbed in the Ceili House Bar in Queens, New York.
At Sarah's funeral Eddie Valentine, who Sarah called her Uncle Ed, expressed the gratitude of the family for the assistance provided by The Kevin Bell Trust.

Kevin Casey creates beautiful sculptures from bogwood found in Irish bogs. The raw material is found in Irish bogs, where it has been preserved for 5,000 years. This wood once formed part of the great forest that covered the central plains of Ireland in ancient times.

In conjunction with his father, Michael, Casey's Bogwood Sculptures has spent 60 years producing sculptures in Bog Oak that have seen them become masters of their art.

Known widely the world over, smaller pieces are displayed at their studio gift shop in Barley Harbour, Newtowncashel, County Longford.
Kevin's work has been exhibited at: The Atrium Gallery Longford, Lanesboro Summer School, Kenny’s Gallery Galway, Carroll Gallery Longford, An Dabhlin Spiddal, and Bower Arts Week Athlone.

Commissioned sculptures have been presented to former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, former President Mary McAleese, and The Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown.