Last Man Standing - Pascal Whelan, stuntman, late resident of Omey Island
A study of the late stuntman by photographer Kevin Griffin
Tributes have been paid to the last permanent resident of Connemara's Omey Island, stuntman Pascal Whelan, who has died at the age of 75. The photographer Kevin Griffin came across the stuntman in 2012 and struck up a friendship, leading to a study of his life on Omey. Photographs by Kevin Griffin
Pascal Whelan, who was buried on the island on Wednesday, gave the late actor Peter O'Toole swordfighting lessons and did stunts for Paul Hogan in the film Crocodile Dundee. He lived on the tidal island for more than 30 years after retiring from the film business. Photographs by Kevin Griffin
One of four children born on Omey, Whelan left the island with his parents for Wales at the age of six. He was 19-years-old when he emigrated to Australia and initially worked as a plasterer. It was while employed on a film set that he accidentally fell into a new career. A stuntman refused to perform a fall, and he stepped in. Photographs: Kevin Griffin
Whelan, who was found dead on his 75th birthday in his mobile home, had inspired a book by photographer Kevin Griffin along with a photographic exhibition and a radio documentary about his career and latter life. Photographs: Kevin Griffin
Photographs: Kevin Griffin
Photographs: Kevin Griffin
Photographs: Kevin Griffin
Pascal's car suffered from regular trips across the incoming tide. Photographs: Kevin Griffin
Photographs: Kevin Griffin
Photographs: Kevin Griffin
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Photographs: Kevin Griffin
Photographs: Kevin Griffin
Photographs: Kevin Griffin
Photographs: Kevin Griffin
Photographs: Kevin Griffin
Photographs: Kevin Griffin from his book Omey Island "Last Man Standing"
The remains of Pascal Whelan are brought across the sands at low tide to Omey Island in Connemara for burial following funeral mass in nearby Star of the Sea Church in Claddaghduff, Co. Galway on Wednesday. See also report by Lorna Siggins and video by Bryan O'Brien at irishtimes.com. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien / The Irish Times
The remains of Pascal Whelan are carried into the graveyard on Omey Island in Connemara for burial following funeral mass in nearby Star of the Sea Church in Claddaghduff, Co. Galway on Wednesday. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien / The Irish Times
