Local young people unveil inspiring new mural in Larne!

Friday 15 March 2024

The innovative idea to transform a community shelter on Inver Road was identified by local young people as part of their social action project. The mural designs, which have been developed by the young people over the last year, feature a range of motivational quotes alongside artwork celebrating the recent achievements of Larne Football Club.

One of the young people involved in the Education Authority’s Horizons programme, Adam Hemy, commented, “We wanted to show everyone to always keep believing, because no matter how long it takes you can achieve anything you want. Having a belief like Larne FC, to always keep going until you win, is vital.”

He continued: "As part of our Horizons Social Action, we thought redoing the senior citizen’s shelter would give back to people, allowing them to use the newly done-up shelter. We thought the best way to represent believing, is to reflect our newly crowned champions, Larne Football Club.”

The collaborative initiative saw the talents and visions of young people coming together with the support of local community groups, Larne Football Club and the Education Authority, to transform the shelter into a captivating visual narrative which aims to empower the people of Larne.

Local young person, Lauren Buchanan, felt the project would give a boost to Larne’s reputation, adding, “We are so proud of our football team and wanted to show it off. They inspired us to never give up.”

The project was funded through Larne Area Community Cluster - a Council-led community development initiative which sees 64 community groups working in partnership for the local area. The mural designs were created by Larne Football Club through a series of workshops which were held with the Education Authority’s Horizons group.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: “I am absolutely blown away to see such an incredible display of community collaboration in action. Encouraging and empowering others in innovative ways is something that our voluntary sector do so well. I am extremely proud that so many community groups have shown their support to local young people in delivering this project through the Larne Area Community Cluster initiative, in partnership with Larne Football Club.”

“I would like to congratulate the young people involved, as well as Larne Football Club, Education Authority and all of the Community Cluster groups on creating such a vibrant and impactful display within the centre of Larne. I have no doubt the mural will inspire a sense of hope and community pride within the area.”

Larne Football Club, who were the young people’s inspiration for the mural, said the initiative was further evidence of the Club’s commitment to making a positive impact within the local community. Larne FC Director, Community Engagement & Supporter Liaison, Joel Neill said: “Larne Football Club exists solely to bring pride and enjoyment to the people of our town. We were delighted to help when approached by a passionate group of young people with an idea to regenerate and restore something which many of us adults have simply walked or driven past and ignored for many years."

"We hope it stands as a reminder of their pride and determination, as well as the mission of the football club."

The project was facilitated by Education Authority Youth Workers, Demi Clements and Sharon Dalzell who added: “We are very proud of what the young people have achieved and how hard they have worked. The young people are excited to see all of their hard work and designs come together for the launch. We hope the community appreciates and values the hard work that has went into creating this project.”

The mural can be viewed at Inver Road in Larne. For more information about the project, please visit the Larne FC website or contact Wendy Carson on M: 07966 888 131 or E: wendy.carson@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.