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Newry's very first full-on mural, courtesy of the weekends Iúr Cinn Fleadh has become an instant talking point in our city, with passer-bys debating who it illustrates and what it all means, while capturing photographs of it. Obviously exactly the kind of discussion the art piece was designed to provoke.
The Newry 2020 inspired festival returned in style, and while old favourites like the Trad Cruise down Newry Ship Canal and Dancing on the Greens were super popular once again, many new events caught peoples imagination with the mural being just one.
The gable wall of Sineads in Canal Street can be seen from many parts of the city and owners Bertie and Noreen Flynn couldn't be happier with the finished piece.
The mural was painted by talented street artists Jonny McKerr (JMK) from Lurgan with help from Dermot McConaghy (DMC) from Armagh.
This year Iúr Cinn Fleadh decided to expand further into arts events with the amalgamation of the Newry 2020 Festival of Windows. Garry McElherron took charge of the arts offerings and he sees the mural as a legacy piece from the fleadh.
McElherron said "This mural represents a catalyst for change on the streets of Newry. Since the mural has been put up we have been offered two further walls and if anyone reading this wants to offer a wall please get in touch.
"The boy on the mural is a proud Newry boy. He represents youth and change, and forward thinking.
"We were so fortunate to have incredible street artists JMK and DMC on board to make our vision a reality.
"We are extremely grateful to Bertie and Noreen Flynn of Sineads in Canal Street who allowed us this opportunity to showcase the amazing artwork on the wall of their shop."
Other new events at the fleadh included Bike and Beats on the Street with people of all ages cycling a fun couple of laps round the city behind Rap DJ Chulainn.
Artist Seán Hillen's Q&A and film showing at Bellinis was a resounding success. Indeed the Film Documentary produced by Gillian Marsh Productions is appearing on Netflix in December, something that Seán is incredibly proud of.
Dancing on the Greens took in Derrybeg, Whitegates and Mourneview Park and with the addition of the Fortwilliam Choir this year along with the dancers and musicians, the impact was massive and combined with the incredible weather that graced the festival almost the entire weekend it made for a very special event.
Melissa McCabe's Street Feast attempted a full Sunday for the first time at the Fleadh and judging by the crowds it will be a regular feature from here on.
The Music of our Generation gigs at the Imaginarium were an incredible charge of energy and life.
The bilingual Hidden Hill Street Walk saw a large crowd get a chance to see Newry's main thoroughfare in a new light.
Newry Water Festival also joined in this year with Banjo Bannon in on the act with young people on the water.
Amazing Concerts from Matt McGinn and The Sands Family were a fitting addition with the added talent of Tim Eady, an extraordinary musician.
Finally last night's Newry Chamber Music's, Classics by Candlelight created just the right chilled out atmosphere to wind down the festival for another year, although some brave people continued on to The Final Fling in the Railway Bar to be sure to finish the festival properly.
