Memorial tribute for Frank Sheerin: The creative force behind the 'Sally O'Brien: A Perspective on You' commercial campaign
Frank Sheerin: The Man Behind Iconic Irish Advertisements
Frank Sheerin, born on October 7th, 1933, in Dún Laoghaire, was an influential figure in the Irish advertising industry, best known for creating the renowned "Sally O'Brien and the way she might look at you" campaign.
Growing up as the youngest of four boys, Sheerin's creative and artistic side was evident early on. His talent as a copywriter became evident at the College of Commerce in Rathmines. After his education, he joined West's of Grafton Street, but his father, John Sheerin, passed away when Frank was just four years old. His mother, Eileen Sheerin, moved with the children to Inchicore and ran a small grocery shop.
Sheerin's first job was with Richie's Sweets factory, but his dream was to work for Guinness. However, fate had other plans, and he found himself in the advertising world instead. In 1967, he joined the board of Arks as creative director, and eventually, he set up his own company, Frank Sheerin Associates.
One of Sheerin's most notable works was the 1983 Harp Lager advertisement. This advertisement tapped into the grim reality of growing mass immigration, featuring a young man longing for home, specifically the rain, greenness, and a pint of Harp, and the enigmatic glance from Sally O'Brien, played by British actress Sally O'Brien. Thirty years after the advertisement, O'Brien found wider fame as Yvette Carte-Blanche in the BBC sit-com 'Allo 'Allo!. Interestingly, O'Brien stated that Irishmen still try to chat her up, thirty years later, due to the success of this advertisement.
Another iconic advertisement created by Sheerin was "The Island," which played on distinctly Irish emotions, particularly the emigrant's yearning for home. This advertisement won a Clio Award and a silver Cannes Lion in 1977.
Sheerin was a comedy scriptwriter and a powerhouse of creativity in the Irish advertising industry of the 1970s and 1980s. He retired from advertising in the 2000s and was also a contributor to the 2009 RTÉ series on advertising.
Frank Sheerin passed away on June 18th, 2025, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the Irish advertising industry. His work continues to be remembered and celebrated for its creativity, emotional impact, and unique Irish charm.
Celebrities like Sally O'Brien, who gained fame through Frank Sheerin's 1983 Harp Lager advertisement, remain connected to his work, as fans still approach O'Brien for memories from the iconic advertisement. The entertainment industry recognized Sheerin's creative ability, awarding his advertisement "The Island" with a Clio Award and a silver Cannes Lion in 1977.
