A RENOWNED Belfast painter who died last week has been posthumously awarded a prestigious prize at the annual Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition.
North Belfast artist Joe McWilliams, who died on October 7 at the age of 76, was recognised for his striking painting 'Christian Flautists outside St Patrick's'.
Last night he was given the Irish News award for 'Work Depicting the Theme of Ireland Today'.
The oil painting, which is almost 7ft high, shows members of the Shankill Road-based Young Conway Volunteers flute band marching in circles outside St Patrick's Catholic Church in Donegall Street in 2012.
The band caused outrage after it was filmed also played the sectarian Famine Song outside the church.
Earlier this year, 13 members of the band were convicted for their part in the episode.
Mr McWilliams' painting is on display at the Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) Exhibition in the Ulster Museum.
RUA President Denise Ferran said: "Joe McWilliams was one of Ireland's finest artists".
"His passing is a great loss to us all," she said.
"This award, and the piece itself, is a timely tribute to a highly respected and much loved man."
The exhibition, which features more than 300 works, opens today.
It will run until January 3.
