Born Martin Hasson in 1950 in Northern Ireland (not 1947 as often reported), starting painting from when he was 3 years old, his path in painting was established at a very young age. In the 90’s Martin began experimenting in mixed mediums and different subjects and soon his work was to evolve into a different style. His work was portraying a darker, harsher side of Irish life depicting scenes of early Irish settlements and present day struggles. It was this marked change in style that prompted Martin to create a new name to sign his work with and JP Rooney was born. The name Rooney was chosen after the very man who married him and his wife and a dear and close friend of both their families. This was the man wh...