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Footbridge renamed after civil rights veteran

News imageSinn Féin Ivan Barr has short grey hair and is wearing a chequered grey shirt. He is outside near a black fence and a number of trees. Sinn Féin
Ivan Barr, who died at the age of 70 in 2008, was a civil rights veteran and former councillor

A footbridge in County Tyrone has been officially renamed after a civil rights veteran and former Sinn Féin councillor who died in 2008.

Ivan Barr, who died at the age of 70, was described as "a man who spent his life building bridges" at the official ceremony in his hometown of Strabane on Saturday.

Held on the anniversary of his death, it saw the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Ruairí McHugh, unveil a formal plaque at the site.

Barr was first elected to the Strabane District Council in 1985 and was involved in politics for more than 40 years.

News imageDCSDC Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Ruairí McHugh, who has short brown hair and is wearing a blue suit, is seen pulling a red cloth over a golden plaque with the wording: 'Ivan Barr Footbridge'. DCSDC
The naming of the bridge in Strabane took place at an official ceremony at the weekend

He was a former chairman of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association.

Mayor McHugh said it was a huge honour to formally name the bridge after him.

News imageDCSDC A number of people, some standing and others kneeling down, are seen standing near to the golden plaque and the bridge is visible in the background.DCSDC
Members of Ivan Barr's family were among those who attended the ceremony on Saturday

"Ivan was a true community representative whose life was defined by his dedication to a better future for the people of Strabane," McHugh said.

He described the late councillor as "a man of immense integrity" and "a tireless advocate for equality and justice".

"This bridge does more than connect two sides of our town, it now stands as a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life building bridges within our community and fighting for the rights of every citizen," he said.

"It is poignant that we gather here on the anniversary of his passing to ensure his legacy continues to be part of the landscape he loved so dearly."