Local artist pays tribute to Hume Knighthood!!

Local artist pays tribute to Hume Knighthood

Local artist Christopher McCrossan this week dedicated a work of art to the SDLP in Strabane in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume and his upcoming knighthood by Pope Benedict XVI.

Former SDLP leader John Hume will be made a Knight Commander of St Gregory, a senior Knighthood awarded by the Vatican. It comes more than 13 years after Mr Hume was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his work during the troubles.

A former teacher, Mr Hume first came to prominence during the civil rights movement in the late 1960’s. He helped to form the moderate nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party in 1970, taking over as leader in 1979. During his time in the public eye, Mr Hume was widely respected by both sides of the community and was jointly awarded his Nobel Peace prize for his reconciliation work with the Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble in 1998.

SDLP West-Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne said “We are thrilled by this fantastic piece of artwork, a great tribute to Ireland’s peacemaker. This outstanding piece of work will be placed in the hallway of the SDLP Office in Strabane.”

West-Tyrone Constituency Representative Daniel McCrossan said “We are very grateful to Chris for dedicating this drawing to the people of Strabane and especially to the Strabane SDLP office. The drawing can be viewed from next week in the hallway of the SDLP Advice Centre at 5 Butcher Street.”