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Danny Boy News Archive |
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News Archive: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Current News
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| Eyesore transformed into attraction |
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| A Limavady "eyesore" that was a magnet for vandals plying grafitti on the walls has, after "a long hard slog", been transformed into a community attraction |
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Thanks to a £7,000 grant from the Arts Council Re-Imaging Programme and the hard work of the Bovalley Community Association, the electricity substation on Edenmore Road and the entrance wall at the adjacent Anderson Park are home to 10 hand painted mADVERTISEMENTurals that depict scenes of local tourist attractions and the lyrics of the legendary Danny Boy song.
Arts and Culture Minister, Gregory Campbell - involved in the project from its inception almost three years ago - unveiled the project on Friday.
He said: "I'm delighted to be here, and everyone deserves credit for transforming this eyesore. It's great that so many young people are here."
Recently arsonists targeted Anderson Park, leaving two families homeless after setting fire to an oil tank, but Bovalley Community Association chairperson, Jackie McCurry hopes residents will now have something to be proud of.
She said: "I think it really brightens the place, and makes it look clean and tidy. It has definitely been money well spent."
Local artist, Natasha Duddy helped the children paint the murals.
She said: "It was great from the start. Everyone was very enthusiastic and wanted to do something to reimage the whole area. It's all due to the work of the children who stuck with it to the very end."
Limavady Mayor, SF Colr. Brenda Chivers joined several councillors congratulating those involved.
She said: "It's absolutely brilliant. The whole community has come together and you can see the great result."
DUP Ald. George Robinson said: "The mural replaces what was unsightly graffiti objected to by residents and is a very welcome and positive improvement.."
Colr. Alan Robinson agreed. He said: "We never thought we would see this day because there have be so many obstacles to overcome, but the persistance of the community group should be commended. They have taken this area by the scruff of the neck and it has paid dividends for the local community."
UUP Colrs. Edwin Stevenson and Jack Rankin appealed to residents to keep vandals away.
They said: "They need to keep an eye on it. It's great to see it and I hope it will encourage people of the area to look after it. Hopefully, we won't have any more gaffitti to destroy it."
Young Jake Chase and Dylan Shields enjoyed working on the murals, and meeting new friends.
Liaison Officer Roisin McCorriston congratulated participants on a "wonderful" project.
She said: "I am impressed with not only the commitment of the particiapnts but also with their determination."
PSNI Insp. Tony Callaghan said the project sent a clear message to those engaged in anti-social behaviour.
He said: "To those who want to vandalise it, the community is saying: 'This is our space and you're not welcome to destroy that."
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| Item last updated: Thu Apr 16 00:20:01 2015 |
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| Rangers fan honours bet to dress as leprechaun and sing Danny Boy |
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| A DIEHARD Rangers fan who vowed to dress as a leprechaun and sing Danny Boy in the streets if Celtic won the league kept his word yesterday. |
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Gordon Gibson, a member of the Carluke Rangers Club in Lanarkshire, stood on a beer crate at the town's cross and used a microphone as he belted out the Irish ballad to hundreds of people.
And big-hearted Gordon raised £550 for Cancer Research with his stunt.
The dad-of-two was so sure Walter Smith's men would win the title race, he called the Daily Record's hotline in April to share his opinion. Unfortunately for him, Celtic secured top spot and yesterday was payback time.
Plumber Gordon said: "I'm sure I'll get wound up about this for some time but it's water off a duck's back to me.
"I was absolutely convinced Rangers would do it but a bet is a bet.
"People thought I wouldn't do it but I'm always true to my word.
"My mother-in-law's a big Celtic fan, as are lots of my pals, so I've no problem wearing the green and white this once.
"Some folk might get embarrassed about getting up and singing in front of a crowd but I loved it - even though Danny Boy and Hail Hail wouldn't have been my No 1 song choices."
Gordon, who helps run his supporters' club bus, used the event to raise cash for a cause close to his heart after his uncle John, 70, died from lung cancer last Wednesday.
Gordon, 46, said: "My uncle was in a care home and we didn't expect him to go so soon.
"I was at his side for the last four days and was praying he would pass away without any pain.
"I was the only family he had left and if I can raise a few hundred quid for Cancer Research so other people don't have to go through this, I'll be happy."
Afterwards, Gordon joined wife Elizabeth and pals for a drink in former Motherwell striker Dougie Arnott's pub, the Wee Thackit Inn.
Pal Dougie said: "I've known Gordon since our school days and he has always been a man of his word.
"I knew he wouldn't go back on his promise in the Record and I have total respect for him - as do the hundreds who turned out for him today."
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| Item last updated: Thu Apr 16 00:20:01 2015 |
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| Fourth annual Danny Boy Festival set to kick off in style... |
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| Limavady residents are gearing up for the fourth Danny Boy Festival, which kicks off later this week. |
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Running from May 1-4, the festival is expected to draw tourists from home and abroad.
Danny Boy Festival Committee member SDLP Colr. Michael Coyle encouraged people to come and enjoy the entertainment.
"It's a weekend of fun and music," ADVERTISEMENThe said. "It should cater for all sorts of musical tastes and I hope everyone will enjoy their weekend of music."
Festival highlights include the Danny Boy Rox competition on May 2, a concert by Queen tribute band Flash Harry on May 3 and an evening of Bluegrass music on Sunday, May 4.
There will also be a float parade on Saturday, May 3, and a heritage exhibition on Sunday, May 4.
Limavady Mayor Edwin Stevenson said: "The Council in recognizing this unique asset actively markets the Borough under the branding of Limavady and the Roe Valley - Breathe the Danny Boy Air.
Upon this we can build from many aspects of music and song and, with further work, be in a position to put our Borough towns on the map, not just economically but from a tourist and social perspective."
Committee chairman Peter Jack said: "Like us or loathe us, you can't ignore us!"
"We have a fascinating and varied programme which will appeal to a wide cross section of our community.
Whatever type of music you love you will be well catered for be it traditional, folk, blue grass, rock or country."
For further information about the festival telephone (777) 60307 or go to www.dannyboyfestival.com
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| Item last updated: Thu Apr 16 00:19:54 2015 |
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News Archive: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Current News
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