Speaking at the launch, the Junior Minister said: “It is a terrible reflection on our society that this project has come about because of the tragic and brutal murder of Thomas Devlin on 10 August 2005, a young teenager who at the age of just 15, met his death in a violent and horrific manner.
“The 'Blessings on the Breath of Nature: Belfast Flags' project depicts a brighter future for all our young people. It offers hope that the pupils from both schools represent a vision of young people not tarnished by, or associated with, the violence of our past, or that which we have seen again over recent days and weeks,” said Mr Kelly.
Developed by the Thomas Devlin Fund and artist Raymond Watson, the project involves young people from both schools in the creation of small flags which represent their hopes for a brighter future. Raymond Watson was inspired by Himalayan Prayer Flags being strung across valleys to spread good will.
Praising the two schools for their longstanding cross-community links and citing them as a beacon of hope for others, Mr Kelly said: “It is a great pleasure to join you in the culmination of all your hard work in producing this artwork as a tribute to Thomas and his family. It is both refreshing and inspiring that something so positive can come out of such a tragedy. I commend Thomas' parents as well for their fortitude and determination to have this innovative art project as a catalyst for change in the move away from violence and as a tangible and uplifting experience for young people.
“We, in the Executive, are fully committed to do all we can to building a shared and better future for all.”
The pupils created one thousand flags which were strung together and flown across the grounds at both schools.
Notes to Editors:
- Thomas Devlin was stabbed to death at the back of St Patrick’s College on 10 August 2005. Jim Devlin and his wife Penny approached the headmaster of St Patrick’s College to ask if school would become involved in an art-type project/memorial for Thomas.
- Artist Raymond Watson is based in Belfast and was born in 1958. He has a substantial body of work influenced heavily by the recent political conflict in the north of Ireland. He is an eclectic artist who creates work in any media, commonly bronze, wood, clay, metals, paints and cement.
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