The Housing Executive joined the Galliagh community to celebrate 50 years of the estate with the official unveiling of a special anniversary mural.

Designed and completed by local artist Peaball and supported through an NIHE community cohesion grant of £4875, the mural at Galliagh Community Centre provides a permanent visual representation of the people, history and community spirit that have defined the area over the past five decades.

Eddie Doherty, Housing Executive Manager, said, “The Housing Executive was delighted to support Galliagh Community Centre in marking this important anniversary. We have a long-established relationship with Galliagh and its residents and, over the last 50 years, we have seen the community develop and evolve considerably.

“What has remained constant is the commitment of local people and community organisations to improving the area for residents.

Anniversary Art… Pictured in front of a new mural in the foyer of Gallaigh Community Centre which was funded by the Housing Executive to mark 50 years of the estate are, (left to right) Tommy McCallion, manager, Amanda Clarke, Galliagh Community Centre, and Colr. Sandra Duffy, Eddie Doherty, Housing Executive West area manager, Andy Mullan, Housing Executive Good Relations Officer West, Martina Forrest, Housing Executive, Ciarrai Reilly, Housing Executive, and Aileen Mellon, operations manager of On Street Community Youth. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

placeholder image — Anniversary Art… Pictured in front of a new mural in the foyer of Gallaigh Community Centre which was funded by the Housing Executive to mark 50 years of the estate are, (left to right) Tommy McCallion, manager, Amanda Clarke, Galliagh Community Centre, and Colr. Sandra Duffy, Eddie Doherty, Housing Executive West area manager, Andy Mullan, Housing Executive Good Relations Officer West, Martina Forrest, Housing Executive, Ciarrai Reilly, Housing Executive, and Aileen Mellon, operations manager of On Street Community Youth. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

“We are proud to have played a part in that journey and remain committed to working alongside the community, supporting positive development and helping Galliagh continue to grow into the future.

“It was wonderful to join residents and community representatives for the unveiling and to see a permanent reminder of Galliagh’s history, identity and strong community spirit.”

Thomas McCallion, Manager of Galliagh Community Centre, said, “This was about much more than creating a mural. It was about recognising 50 years of people, families and community life in Galliagh. There are residents who have spent most of their lives here, raised their families here and helped build the community we have today.

“We were delighted to have Peaball involved in the project. As a highly respected local artist, he has captured the story and character of Galliagh in a way that we hope residents will immediately connect with.

Happy 50th Galliagh… Pictured at the the launch of a Re-imaging project celebrating 50 years of the Galliagh Estate and funded by the Housing Executive are, left to right, Andy Mullan, Housing Executive Good Relations Officer West area, Eddie Doherty, Housing Executive West area manager, Tommy McCallion, Galliagh Community Centre Manager and Aileen Mellon, operations manager of On Street Community Youth. The mural was funded by the Housing Executive with artwork by local artist, Peaball. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

“For generations the Housing Executive has been part of Galliagh’s journey, and it was important that, as we marked this milestone, we recognised that relationship.

“There is a real pride in this community, and this mural allows us to celebrate where we have come from while also looking positively towards our future.

“The mural will remain as a permanent feature within Galliagh Community Centre, celebrating the area’s past, recognising the people who have helped shape the community and providing a lasting legacy for future generations.”