Artist Kevin Sharkey
He was once one of Ireland’s best-known artists and his art commanded huge cash.
But now Donegal painter Kevin Sharkey, who estimates he made €3M from his art, has revealed he is down and out and living in sheltered accommodation.
The Killybegs man says he lived in Donegal with his sister Majella but felt, as an adult, he had to move out eventually.
He then ended up living in a tent in a caravan park in Roundwood, Co Wicklow.
Sharkey, who once created a life-size culture of a bull which he covered in €18,000 worth of real life notes, says he is on a housing list.
“I’m proof that becoming homeless can happen to anyone. This is the reality in the current crisis. Don’t think you are immune.
“You would be forgiven for thinking: if you work hard enough, it won’t happen. But the housing crisis means that the system is stacked against you,
“The game is not in your favour no matter how well you are doing. There are no houses available, and the few that are for rent are at prices many cannot afford,” he told the Mail on Sunday.
He says that people remember him from presenting RTE television shows such as Megamix and also ITV’s The Roxy.
“People see me and think “there’s yer man of the telly and assume I am wealthy but it’s a huge misconception,” he said.
Starkey said he is so thankful to housing agency Crosscare who have looked after him.
“Their kindness overwhelmed me. All I needed was a space with a shelter. I get into bed with clean sheets and towels and I can make a cup of tea.
“It is a clean and well-run building of two houses out together in the north inner city and I am sharing a room with one other man.
“Who would have thought this would be luxury to me?” added Kevin.
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