Ferguson plane ‘lands’ on the dual carriageway

The aircraft in question is a sculpture in honour of Dromore pioneer and aviator Harry Ferguson and was officially unveiled at the carriageway just outside Hillsborough.

Commissioned to recognise the achievements of the first Irishman to design, build and fly his own aeroplane, the artwork is a replica of the 1909 Ferguson plane and the result of a project funded by Lagan Rural Partnership under the Rural Development Programme and Lisburn City Council.

A joint venture between top Northern Ireland sculptor John Sherlock OBE and PF Copeland Ltd, one of Ireland’s leading metal fabricators based in Newtownabbey, the sculpture was officially unveiled by the Mayor of Lisburn, Alderman William Leathem, and chairman of the Economic Development Committee, Alderman Jim Dillon.

The special ceremony was also attended by Mr Ferguson’s granddaughter, Sally Fleming, who travelled from England specially for the occasion.

Commenting on the new work of art, Mr Dillon said the “striking sculpture” was a fitting legacy to celebrate the aviation achievements of “one of the most outstanding engineers and inventors of the 20th Century”.

“This will remind the public of the historic Ferguson flight near Hillsborough on December 31, 1909,” added Mr Dillon, “We’re delighted with the piece and we’re confident it will become a much-enjoyed and recognised public landmark on this very busy thoroughfare.”

The man behind the piece said he was “thrilled” to have been awarded the prestigious commission. “It is a happy coincidence that both Mark Copeland and I are also qualified pilots,” said sculptor, Mr Sherlock. “We’re in awe of Ferguson for his amazing feat to get his creation to actually fly and land successfully.”

The sculptor described his steel and bronze creation as “quite a dramatic piece” and he hoped the public would enjoy it and “the remarkable man it represents”.

Mark Copeland of PF Copeland added, “This is an exciting and important commission for our company. It has also been a challenging piece from a technical and structural point of view.

“However, we are no strangers to producing complex public artwork, having completed such local pieces as ‘Nuala with the Hula’ in Thanksgiving Square and the ‘Spirit of Belfast’ in Cornmarket.

“We are certain the Ferguson sculpture will be well received by the public and that Lisburn will further enhance its civic environment with this unique installation.”

The overall sculpture is half-life size and will be seen by up to 30,000 passing travellers each day on the A1 Dual Carriageway, under the Hillsborough fly-over.