First Earhart public artwork in Derry launched at Eurospar in Galliagh

First Earhart public artwork in Derry launched at Eurospar in Galliagh

The first public artwork marking the historic landing in Derry by aviator Amelia Earhart has been unveiled at a convenience store in Galliagh.

Friday saw the launch of the 48-foot mural by artist Joseph Campbell on the side of the Eurospar (Co-Op) in the Galliagh area of the city, the same ward where Amelia Earhart landed in Ballyarnett back in May 21, 1932.

The striking mural features Earhart’s flight path, a large portrait of Amelia and one of her inspirational sayings, ‘But What Do Dreams Know of Boundaries’, as a positive message for young and old in the area.

The unveiling was one of a number of events marking the 90th anniversary of the landing on May 21, 1932. Earhart took off from Newfoundland in Canada in a bid to become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic.

While she had hoped to land in Paris, bad weather and technical problems altered the 34-year-old’s course and she landed in a field in Ballyarnett on the outskirts of the city.

Five years later, she went missing, never to be found, after setting out to become the first woman to fly around the world. She disappeared after taking off from Lake New Guinea, bound for Howland Island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Ollie Green, director of the festival, organised by Greater Shantallow Community Arts, promised a unique world class entertainment for all who attended over the weekend.

“The festival will bring to life in our city of music and song, a celebration of a unique moment in our cultural heritage, the 90th anniversary of Amelia Earhart’s historic achievement, when she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic,” he said.

“Making an unscheduled landing in Gallagher’s Field, Ballyarnett, after enduring unpredicted storms, Amelia Earhart ensured our city’s place in aviation history.

“She brought the attention of the world’s media to Derry’s shores on 21st May 1932 and we at Greater Shantallow Community Arts and the Amelia Earhart Legacy Association and the many individuals and Earhart support groups are determined that her contribution will never be forgotten,.

“We also intend the Festival to promote our city as the Cultural Destination of Choice for visitors from near and far.”