Causeway Coast & Glens Council committee votes to rename Dervock park after US President
A Causeway Coast and Glens Council committee has voted to rename a Dervock park after the 25th President of the United States of America.
At December’s Leisure and Development committee meeting, a motion by TUV councillor Allister Kyle proposed that Riverside Park in Dervock be renamed to McKinley Park in memory of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States to “commemorate the deep ancestral ties between Dervock and the McKinley family”.
William McKinley was born on January 29, 1843, in Niles, Ohio. He served as President from March 4, 1897, until his assassination on September 14, 1901.
The Council motion, which was seconded by TUV councillor Jonathan McAuley, stated: “As we know year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the United States, a momentous event that laid the foundation for the nation’s freedom and democracy.
“In recognition of this anniversary and taking into account we have set up a committee to oversee the anniversary, we believe it is fitting that we reflect on the profound historical connections between the North Antrim village and the United States.
“Dervock’s primary link to the Americas lies in its ancestral connection to William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. McKinley’s great-great-grandfather, James McKinley emigrated from the townland of Conagher, near Dervock, in 1743.
“This historic connection offers a unique opportunity to honour Dervock’s contribution to American history and heritage.
“The renaming of Riverside Park to McKinley Park would serve as a lasting tribute to the legacy of William McKinley, highlighting the role that Dervock’s local heritage has played in shaping American history.
“This renaming would not only honour McKinley’s presidential legacy but also strengthen the bond between the town and its American roots.
“By renaming the park, the Council would help raise awareness of this important historical link, fostering a greater understanding of the global influence of the Causeway Coast and Glens region.
“This gesture could also encourage cultural exchanges and promote tourism, with an emphasis on the rich historical ties between the US and Dervock.
“This renaming would serve as a lasting tribute to both the McKinley family and the history of the United States, while also promoting local heritage, education, and international ties between Dervock and the United States.”
At Councillor McAuley’s behest, DUP councillor Tanya Elder amended the motion to include a tribute to the late Dervock historian Peter Thompson.
“Following some contact by residents, including friends and family, we propose that the renaming of the park reflects the substantial research carried out by Peter,” Councillor Elder said.
“We propose that in memory of Peter Thompson, the park is renamed McKinley Park at the Fairhill.”
Councillor Kyle agreed that Mr Thompson’s work as a historian in the village was “immense” and supported the amendment.
The proposal to rename the park was approved by members of the Leisure and Development Committee but amended to ‘McKinley Park at the Fairhill’.
The decision will now go forward to the next full meeting of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for ratification.