Campsie gets a makeover

Distinctive corner of Omagh gets 30 metres of new artwork packed full of imagery reflecting the area's history.

A salmon.

Wildflowers and forget-me-nots.

A girl on a swing.

Just three of the stand-out images that form part of a new ceramic art installation on a 30 metre stretch of wall that overlooks the Campsie river. The artwork was paid for by the Housing Executive and forms part of the organisation's work in building community cohesion. 

The project sees one neglected piece of wall, near Omagh's Memorial Garden, transformed to help reflect one of the town's most distinctive areas - Campsie - with each image reflecting an important element of it's history: fishing in the river, local flora, those who have died and the nearby children's playpark.

Created by local artist Gerry Bradley, he put the work together after a series of consultation workshops held at the Campsie Hub. And with the help with a number of groups in the area quickly went about putting the mosaic together.

The project involved members of the Saturday Club, ethnic minority groups, youth groups and groups aimed at older people. It's hoped that by working together on the project a lasting legacy of good relations will be established in the area.

"We want to help build stronger communities and not just in terms of bricks and mortar.  By helping the Residents’ Association in Campsie take a step closer to realising their vision the Housing Executive’s mission is being supported," said the Housing Executive's Good Relation's Officer, Marilyn Gibney.

Hazel McGuigan, from the Campsie Resident's Association, says the area is "delighted" with the work.

"It is an outward sign of the area’s continuing transformation encouraging people to want to continue to live in, work and play together.  

“The Residents’ Association has a vision for a shared future built on a foundation of respect and mutual understanding and projects such as these are helping to bring this to fruition.   Local groups have been keen to come forward with their ideas and our artist in residence, Gerard Bradley, has truly reflected their thoughts in this piece.  I’d like to thank him, and in particular the Housing Executive, for helping us take this important step forward in Campsie’s development," she said.