Belfast’s International Wall of Murals honours NHS heroes

New artwork on Belfast’s International Wall of Murals has been completed, paying tribute to NHS workers and all those on the frontline of the fight against Covid-19.

Under normal conditions, hundreds of thousands of visitors view the site each year.

The wall, located on the Falls Road in the west of the city, has been described by the Lonely Planet travel guide as “Europe’s largest outdoor public art gallery”.

The NHS tribute idea came from Belfast tourism development organisation Fáilte Feirste Thiar and community arts festival Féile an Phobail.

Fáilte Feirste Thiar director Harry Connolly explained that they came together with renowned mural artists Marty Lyons and Mickey Docherty “to send this message of support, solidarity, thanks and hope to the NHS and all frontline workers whose actions are a daily inspiration”.

He added: “The International Wall has forever been used as a lightning rod to show solidarity and send support to various causes the world over.

“We were joined at the launch today by a number of NHS staff.

“All our NHS workers are heroes. They are battling a pandemic which has engulfed the globe and they are at the forefront of the fight to save lives.”

The mural, on the Falls Road, is close to a number of the city's hospitals.

Féile an Phobail director Kevin Gamble said: “The Royal, City, and Mater hospitals are all located close to the NHS mural location, with workers passing on a daily basis on their way to and from work.

“The entire community is deeply appreciative of the incredible sacrifices that NHS workers, and indeed all frontline key workers, are making day and daily as they battle Covid-19.

“These workers are family, friends, neighbours, and members of all our communities and what they do is extraordinary and we want to further recognise their unbelievable efforts.”

West Belfast MP Paul Maskey, chairman of Fáilte Feirste Thiar, added: “The community is deeply thankful to NHS workers as they stand at the frontline saving lives every day.

“This NHS mural is another display of community solidarity with the workers.

“The community response to the pandemic has been nothing short of amazing. Community organisations, football clubs, GAA clubs, and so many others have stepped forward and volunteered their time to help those most in need in our communities. They are heroes also.

“It is so crucial that we follow the advice to stay home and save lives, and continue to flatten the curve to help NHS workers as they save lives every day.”

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