Joseph McNally

Brother Joseph McNally (10 August 1923 – 27 August 2002), was an Irish-born Singaporean brother from the De La Salle Brothers. He was the founder of St Patrick's Arts Centre, now known as LASALLE College of the Arts, in Singapore.

Early life and education McNally grew up in Ballintubber, County Mayo. He began studying the arts in high school. McNally left his hometown when he was 14 to join the De La Salle Brothers. He completed his novitiate at the De La Salle Retreat in Castletown, and his scholasticate at De La Salle College in Mallow, County Cork. In 1943, after graduating from De La Salle College, McNally taught at the college, where his interest in the arts grew.

In 1984, McNally founded the St Patrick's Arts Centre, serving as its president. He retired in 1997, receiving the honorary title of President Emeritus.

Personal life In 1965, McNally, who was teaching in Malaysia at that time, became a Malaysian citizen in an effort to become close to the local population.

Legacy In 2006, a new road created outside of the LaSalle College of the Arts in Singapore was named McNally Street in his honour. The Singapore Art Museum held a tribute in 2014, the 12th anniversary of his death.

Sculptures from Br Joseph McNally can be found on the Grounds of Ballintubber Abbey and in the surrounding village where he grew up. Another piece of his work can be seen at the Museum of Country Life in Co. Mayo.