Life and family celebrated in new Newry Gateway mural

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: Columba O'Hare; Category: News; Published: 07 September 2023

Pictured at the unveiling of the new mural at Newry Gateway Club are from left: Caroline Shields, Newry Gateway volunteer; Chloe Shields, volunteer; Garry McElherron, Conor McGinley, mural artist; Cllr Valerie Harte, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Robert McCaul, member; Rory McCaul, member and Aine Rafferty, member. Missing from the Photo Mia Fearon, volunteer and Shannon Rice, volunteer. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie — Pictured at the unveiling of the new mural at Newry Gateway Club are from left: Caroline Shields, Newry Gateway volunteer; Chloe Shields, volunteer; Garry McElherron, facilitator; Conor McGinley, mural artist; Cllr Valerie Harte, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Robert McCaul, member; Rory McCaul, member and Aine Rafferty, member. Missing from the Photo Mia Fearon, volunteer and Shannon Rice, volunteer. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie

The unveiling of a new art project took place this week at Newry & District Gateway Club. It was the inspiration of a group called The Great Gateway Gang (Triple G) consisting of members and volunteers who attend Newry Gateway Club and together they planned and organized a mural for the Gateway's 50th year celebrations.

The group was established earlier this year and were tasked with the question what Gateway means to them. They came up with the concept of a tree as this represents life and family. The young group of people had to apply for funding and delivered a presentation to YouthActionNI, and were successful. Facilitated by their Youth leaders, Carmelita Moley & Lisa Rea they contacted Garry McElherron who put them in touch with mural maestro Conor McGinley who brought their design to life.

Carmelita Moley from Newry Gateway Club said "It's great to see our young people involved in the decision making and also developing new skills, as they are the future of Newry Gateway Club and this will be their legacy for the future generations.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved for their wonderful contribution in the development of the Gateway Tree especially Conor."

Triple G’s next project is to plan and deliver a Halloween party for their peers. If anyone would like to donate Halloween decorations or party supplies, please contact Newry Gateway Club on 028302 68777.