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Mayor officially opens new Limavady photography exhibition by local historian Nelson McGonagle

Mayor officially opens new Limavady photography exhibition by local historian Nelson McGonagle

Wed, November 08, 2023

The Mayor has officially opened a fascinating new photographic exhibition by local historian, Nelson McGonagle at Limavady’s Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre.

‘Limavady and the Roe Valley - Sporting and Social life’ presents images from McGonagle’s varied collection, alongside photos on loan to Coleraine Museum from the Coleraine Chronicle and the Northern Constitution.

His work features an extensive array of images created over many years, all chronicling the life and times of days gone by in Limavady and the Roe Valley.

The photos provide an interesting window onto the past and themes include sport social interaction and farming and street views, creating a fascinating insight into the history of Limavady and the Roe Valley, while highlighting interesting local characters from the 19th through to the 20th centuries.

Nelson’s fifth and final book in his series, entitled ‘Limavady and the Roe Valley – Sporting and Social Life’ has been launched in conjunction with the exhibition and features some of the images on display within.

Outstanding success was achieved with the publication of Nelson’s last four volumes. These were packed with nostalgic photographs and poetry and raised £16,000 for charities thanks to the generosity of local residents and businesses.

It is hoped his fifth volume will have the same success, with all proceeds from this book going towards supporting Age Concern Causeway and Limavady Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide (LIPS).

This free exhibition will be open until 29th February 2024.

‘Sporting and Social life’, is available to buy through the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre and other outlets in the Roe Valley area and is priced at £10.

For further information, please contact the Arts Centre on 028 7776 0650 or email: museums@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan alongside Dougie Bartlett, Nelson McGonagle and Tommy McDonald at the launch of new exhibition. Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan alongside Museum Officer Jamie Austin, Nelson McGonagle and Community Engagement Officer, Joanne Honeyford in front of the nostalgic Sporting and Social Life exhibition. Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan alongside Nelson McGonagle, and Dougie Bartlett flicking through Nelson’s fifth and final book. Nelson McGonagle peering at some of the photographs from his new book currently on display in the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre. Tommy McDonald giving a speech of thanks to all those who have contributed to Nelson’s new book. Visitors to the Nelson McGonagle Exhibition listening attentively to the speakers during the launch. Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan and Nelson McGonagle with representatives from the two charities that will benefit from the new book, Age Concern Causeway and Limavady Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide (LIPS) Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan and Museum Officer Jamie Austin presenting a gift to Tommy McDonald and Nelson McGonagle.