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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Shaun Keenan

New mural of Derry City legend James McClean unveiled

A new mural dedicated to James McClean has appeared on a popular Derry street close to where the footballer first kicked a ball.

A source of great inspiration for young people in the area, McClean's mural has been commissioned by Féile Derry’s ‘Graffiti on the Walls’ initiative.

The artwork - in the Creggan area - has been created by Dublin-based artist Aches, who also created the Derry Girls mural in Derry City Centre.

Read more: Erin McClean on why Wigan victory for James was extra special for the family

The former Derry City, Sunderland, West Brom, Stoke and now Wigan winger can be seen wrapped in his Republic of Ireland colours.

“Lots of people asking who the artist is behind the new mural on Central Drive, Creggan," a Féile spokesperson said.

"The artist is Aches, one of the finest artists working in Ireland or anywhere today.

“We are honoured to have Aches in Derry this week to create a new artwork for Creggan."

Donal Doherty, from Peaball Arts, is also involved in the project. He said the mural was fitting for a "real hero" of the local area.

"When we got the chance to do this mural we jumped at it because this is an opportunity to show young people in the area what they can achieve," Donal said.

"James played in the Bishop Field pitches which is right next to where the mural is and that should be a source of inspiration for any young kid kicking a ball in that field.

"Why can't a young boy or girl from Creggan now not see the mural and think to themselves that they can reach the heights that James McClean has?

"And that's the thing with all the street that we're doing. We want to show young people no matter what their ambition that they can achieve it and they can become elite at whatever they set their minds too."

Read more: Derry street artist tells the story behind new John Hume mural

Read more: Charity gets funding to help 'transform' people recovering from addiction

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