Newry’s streets tell the story of the city through statues and sculptures honouring local figures, sporting legends and landmark events. As well as commemorating notable people and achievements, these works of public art offer a striking perspective on the stories that have shaped the area. This week, Newry and Mourne Museum takes a closer look at some of the best-known examples.
Public sculpture has occupied shared spaces for thousands of years. In ancient societies, statues and monuments commonly honoured rulers, deities and civic ideals; in medieval Europe, sculpture was closely associated with churches and religious teaching. From the Renaissance onwards, monuments increasingly celebrated political power, military victories and prominent individuals. During the 20th century, public sculpture expanded beyond traditional statues to include abstract, site-specific and community-led works, reflecting a broader range of local histories, identities and experiences.
At the Albert Basin, Barry Linnane’s sculpture of Patrick Rankin with his bicycle recalls one local man’s determination to take part in the Easter Rising. Rankin cycled 65 miles to Dublin, and the work was created to mark the Rising’s 100th anniversary. A maquette, or preparatory study, for the monument is held in the museum’s collection.
One of the area’s best-known monuments is the statue of John Mitchel at John Mitchel Place. Erected in March 1965 to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth, it bears a plaque recording the 27 years Mitchel spent in exile after his conviction under the Treason Felony Act 1848. The museum also holds busts of John Mitchel and John Martin, donated in 2013 by Michael McKeown, who served on the Museum Committee.
Newry’s public art also celebrates the area’s sporting heroes. William Maley, born in the city on 25 April 1868, became Celtic Football Club’s first manager and one of the most successful figures in Scottish football history. During 43 consecutive years in charge, he led Celtic to 30 major trophies — 16 league championships and 14 Scottish Cups. He is credited with coining the famous Celtic motto: “It is not his creed nor his nationality which counts; it’s the man himself.” Sculpted by Barry O’Neill, Maley’s statue stands at the bottom of Camlough Road and was unveiled on 12 April 2023.
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings is another local sporting legend honoured in the city. Born on 12 June 1945, he earned 119 international caps during a 22-year career. Jennings developed his early skills with Shamrock Rovers of Newry before going on to play for Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. He unveiled the statue in November 2023. Standing on a granite plinth on Kildare Street, opposite Newry City Hall, the work includes a copy of the handprints taken by sculptor Andy Edwards.
Hill Street’s Proud People sculpture was unveiled in December 1994 during celebrations marking 850 years since Newry’s foundation. Its title is drawn from Dean Swift’s early 18th-century description of the town: “High Church, Low Steeple, Dirty Streets, Proud People.” Rising 13 feet from a base of Mourne granite, the pillar depicts familiar local landmarks, including Newry Canal, the Buttercrane Shopping Centre and Craigmore Viaduct. The work was designed by Patrick McElroy. His daughter, Kristina, later donated three plaster models to the museum, where they went on display in 2022.
