Pupils join forces to create Then and Now storyboarding

Pupils join forces to create Then and Now storyboarding

7 April 2021

THE ‘Then and Now’ mural initiative at the former Downe Hospital site which has caught the eye is being led by the creative minds of local P7 pupils.

Led by Down Community Arts, Newry, Mourne and Down Council and the Downpatrick District Electoral Area Forum, the initiative challenged pupils from St Colmcille’s, St Brigid’s, Our Lady and St Patrick and Downpatrick primary schools to provide creative ideas for artist Eoin McGinn to produce a community mural storyboarding the rich history of Downpatrick. 

Working with the children’s ideas Eoin created the mural in his unique style to depict aspects of Downpatrick’s history from St Patrick to John De Courcy right through to the modern day Downpatrick racecourse. 

The initiative has proven to be an example of how pulling together can bring about great change locally and it has really made a difference to the area and provided an opportunity for children to be involved in creating community pride. 

Down Community Arts project manager Philip Campbell said the initiative would not have been possible without the support of its funders.

He said they included the Arts Council, local council, Clanmil Housing Association, Phoenix Natural Gas and the County Down Rural Community Network. 

Philip added: “Without doubt however, our biggest thanks go to the children involved and Eoin 

who managed to put together an inspiring piece of work.”