Call for statue in honour of Olympic trio

That’s the question being debated on social networking sites as the town prepares to honour Alan Campbell and the Chambers brothers at a homecoming celebration in Coleraine this Wednesday afternoon.

Coleraine mayor, councillor Sam Cole said: “We’re going to throwing a good party for them.

“It will be the party of all parties - we’re going to take advantage of this historic occasion.”

A statue of legendary Coleraine and Northern Ireland footballer Bertie Peacock already stands proudly in the Diamond.

Portrush put up signs in honour of golfer Graeme McDowell, following his 2010 US Open victory.

Stephen Smith from Bann Rowing Club, where the medallists are members, says a statue would help Coleraine to mark its position on the world’s rowing map.

“These guys are legends,” Stephen beamed.

“If we had a beautiful bronze statue of big Alan, Peter and Richard here in the Diamond in Coleraine, alongside our golfing superstars and Bertie Peacock, we have a great tourism attraction.

“The people who go to the Giant’s Causeway will then come to Coleraine to see these Olympian heroes.”