The Morning Commute By Phil Daly
Drogheda Port came alive with colour and celebration just before Christmas as ‘Morning Commute’ was officially unveiled by Laytown-based artist Phil Daly, winner of the 2025 Drogheda Port Company Annual Arts Commission.
The vibrant painting, bathed in luminous colour and movement offers a fresh and uplifting perspective on daily life on the river Boyne.
Known for his love of strong, tropical colour Phil infuses the scene with a distinctive warmth and vitality. Saturated blues, sunlit golds and deep fluid violets are laid down in assured, expressive strokes, elevating a familiar local view into something celebratory and uplifting. The confident path, the ‘Morning Commute ‘of the pilot boat cutting across shimmering waters speaks to the essential role of the port’s workers, while the dramatic and expansive sky reflects optimism and possibility at the start of a new day. The work balances calm and energy - a vivid celebration of maritime heritage, navigation, and forward momentum.
Speaking at the unveiling, Phil Daly said that winning the commission was particularly meaningful to him. He described it as a recognition of his dedication to preserving the beauty of his local environment through paint. “Through vibrant colours and detailed scenes, I strive to capture the essence of maritime living. In all of this I hope my efforts can preserve and celebrate the unique culture of Drogheda’s coastal community and identity”.
Drogheda Port Company praised the artwork for its vivid sense of place and welcoming accessibility. “This commission is about connecting people to the port, its history, its present, and its future. It captures vividly the daily commute of the pilot boat and its working crew beautifully radiating colour, confidence, and warmth.” said CEO Paul Fleming.
The Drogheda Port Annual Arts Commission is a much-anticipated fixture in the port’s cultural calendar and continues to highlight local and regional talent while reinforcing the port’s commitment to the arts and community engagement.
