Young people join forces with local artist to create mural highlighting history of Dungiven area

A group of young people have joined forces with a local artist to create a mural highlighting the history of the Dungiven area.

The youths, who are members of Benbradagh Community Support, took part in the collaborative project with renowned artist Sheila Morrison Byrne and Dungiven Regeneration Club (DRC).

The project, which was funded by the Arts Council of NI, saw the teenagers work with Ms Byrne to create the mural on the town's Main Street.

Speaking to the County Derry Post, Sheila said the young people were heavily involved and took part in six consultation sessions where they were able to discuss ideas for the mural.

“The main theme for the mural came through their ideas, they put forward some great suggestions and this is where the historic theme came from,” said the Park woman.

Finvola the Gem of the Roe is depicted in the mural and her long flowing red locks represent the River Roe.

The harp, which features in the mural, is a nod to Finvola's love of music, while a chieftain on a horse is also a direct link to the O'Cahan clan.

Benbradagh Mountain, often referred to as the 'place of the sleeping lion' is portrayed as a sleeping lion in the colourful painting.

The Irish Wolfhound is associated with the Dog Leap and the River Roe while Dungiven Castle also features.

The mural is framed by arches, which the artist says are copied from the Old Priory, another Dungiven landmark.

The project was co-ordinated by DRC Secretary Denis McHenry and plans are now afoot to knock down the wall in front of the mural and replace it with railings so it is more 'visual'.

Sheila says the area in front of the wall could potentially be 'a usable space' for the community.

“We are very pleased with the finished mural and the overall feedback from locals is that they are really embracing it,” said Sheila.

“To my mind, it's a success because the community loves it. It came from the community and it's for the community. It's part of everybody's heritage and history,” she added.

Margaret McCloskey, a member of Dungiven Regeneration Club praised all those who were involved in the project, which she has hailed as 'a fantastic success'.

“The wider community was heavily involved in the project and it has been a fantastic success, the end result is absolutely amazing,” she said.