Causeway Coast & Glens councillor calls for Dervock park to be renamed McKinley Park after US President
A Causeway Coast and Glens councillor is proposing the renaming of a Dervock park after the 25th President of the United States of America, William McKinley.
TUV councillor Allister Kyle has tabled a notice of motion, seconded by party colleague Councillor Jonathan McAuley, that the Riverside Park be renamed as McKinley Park.
It will be debated at the next full meeting of Causeway Coast and Glens Council on December 2.
The notice of motion reads: “I hereby move that Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council support the proposal to rename Riverside Park in Dervock to McKinley Park in memory of the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley, and to commemorate the deep ancestral ties between Dervock and the McKinley family.
"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, who 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.”