Towering bronze St Columb marks beginning of new pilgrim trail

A NEW bronze sculpture commemorating Londonderry’s patron saint has been unveiled by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland who said he hoped many people would now flock to the city and follow a planned Columban trail from St Columb’s Park to St Augustine’s Church.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Mar 2013, 17:10 BST
Catholic Church Leader Monsignor Eamon Martin, Churches Trust Project Co-ordinator Liam Milligan, Ilexs Caoimhin Corrigan, Methodist Church Leader Rev Peter Murray, Churches Trust Chair Fr Michael Canny, Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Ken Good, Presbyterian Church Leader Rev David Latimer and Christian Heritage Trail Designer Eleanor Wheeler pictured after the unveiling of the new St Columba sculpture in St Columbs Park. Missing from photograph is sculpture designer Niall Bruton.Catholic Church Leader Monsignor Eamon Martin, Churches Trust Project Co-ordinator Liam Milligan, Ilexs Caoimhin Corrigan, Methodist Church Leader Rev Peter Murray, Churches Trust Chair Fr Michael Canny, Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Ken Good, Presbyterian Church Leader Rev David Latimer and Christian Heritage Trail Designer Eleanor Wheeler pictured after the unveiling of the new St Columba sculpture in St Columbs Park. Missing from photograph is sculpture designer Niall Bruton.
Catholic Church Leader Monsignor Eamon Martin, Churches Trust Project Co-ordinator Liam Milligan, Ilexs Caoimhin Corrigan, Methodist Church Leader Rev Peter Murray, Churches Trust Chair Fr Michael Canny, Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Ken Good, Presbyterian Church Leader Rev David Latimer and Christian Heritage Trail Designer Eleanor Wheeler pictured after the unveiling of the new St Columba sculpture in St Columbs Park. Missing from photograph is sculpture designer Niall Bruton.

The trail is believed to be the original Pilgrims’ Trail route, and will start at St Columb’s Park, continue through Ebrington Square, over the Peace Bridge and on to the Walled City. An 11 feet sculpture of St Columba, by artist Niall Bruton has been specially commissioned and is located in St Columb’s Park.

Mr McCausland said: “I am pleased to be in Londonderry today to unveil this statue at the start of the Columba Heritage Trail.

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“I hope during UK City of Culture 2013 and for many years to come, both residents and visitors alike will take the opportunity to come to St Columb’s Park and follow the trail through the city to St Augustine’s Church.”

The trail will be marked by the thoughts and reflections of our 6th and 7th century Christian ancestors, portraying the different sides to St Columba. It will also include contemporary messages of reflection from current city residents.

New seating and public artworks by artist Eleanor Wheeler are also being installed as part of the project.

Ilex’s Cultural Broker, Caoimhin Corrigan, said: “The Christian Heritage Trail will be a valuable addition to promote the world-class heritage of the city.

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“As well as the educational benefits which it will bring, it will also enhance our tourism offering and will provide a direct link from St Columb’s Park to the Walled City.

“It will also encourage local people to see their city from a different perspective.”

Chair of the Churches Trust, Fr Michael Canny said: “St Columba is recognised as the Patron Saint of the City and a unifying figure.

“It is fitting therefore that the leaders of the four main churches in the city come together to celebrate his contribution and legacy and dedicate this sculpture as a symbol of our shared Christian heritage.”

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Project Co-ordinator, Liam Milligan said: “It is hugely gratifying to see the project come to fruition and we are indebted to everyone involved.

“As we celebrate the City of Culture and the Return of Colmcille in June, I hope our shared Christian heritage helps to provide a platform on which to continue building our shared future.”