‘From Little Acorns, Mighty Oak Trees Grow’: New mural honours Derry’s young boxers
Street art collective Peaball worked alongside teenagers from Derry and Donegal to bring the community project to life on Lone Moor Road.
Young boxers and artists from Derry and Donegal have helped inspire a new mural on Lone Moor Road in the Bogside which celebrates the role boxing clubs play in shaping the lives of young people.
Commissioned by Féile Derry, the artwork was supported by PEACEPLUS and created by local street art collective, Peaball.
The mural features the iconic phrase ‘From Little Acorns, Mighty Oak Trees Grow’, with the design inspired by young people from Oakleaf Boxing Club and the Donegal Youth Service.
The project brought young people from different backgrounds together to explore street art, learn new skills and celebrate the positive impact of boxing in their communities.
The young people worked alongside artists from Derry's leading street art collective, learning about Ireland’s street art history before getting hands-on experience with spray cans to create their own designs on miniature paper gable walls.
Ruairi O'Connell, Project Coordinator at Féile Derry, said: "There's a lot more to a boxing club than just what happens inside the ring. Clubs like Oakleaf ABC give young people somewhere to belong, teach them discipline and respect, and help build confidence that stays with them for life.
"That's what we wanted to get across with this mural. The iconic phrase 'From Little Acorns, Mighty Oak Trees Grow' is a great reflection of what Oakleaf Boxing Club is all about and the role it plays in our community.
"Young people come through the doors of its amazing new facility at the Daisyfield from all backgrounds, and with the right encouragement, they can go on to achieve great things, both in sport and in their communities.
"We brought young people from across Derry and Donegal together, gave them spray cans and a chance to learn from some of island's best street artists. The ideas they came up with were fantastic, and the result is a beautiful piece of artwork which has replaced unsightly graffiti.
"The best part is that these young people can now walk or drive along Lone Moor Road, look up at this mural and know they played a part in making it happen and bringing positive change to their community. That's something to be really proud of."
The project was delivered by Féile Derry and supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).