28/01/2015
'Missing Persons Appeal' Issued For Stolen Statue
Police in Limavady have issued a missing persons appeal for a stolen statue.
The statue of Manannán Mac Lir, a sea deity in Irish mythology, was stolen from its mount at Gortmore viewing point on Binevenagh Mountain.
On the PSNI Limavady Facebook page, the force said: "A well known six foot tall striking local male with an athletic build. He has shoulder length hair held back with a headband and has a beard. We have concerns for his health in this weather as he is bare chested with only a thin shawl held at the neck with a decorative clasp to keep his top half warm. Evidence at the scene suggests he has injuries to his feet!
"He is a very striking fella so if you have seen him please let us know.
"Last seen standing at Gortmore viewing point Binevenagh Mountain around the 21st January looking out to sea.
"Local police have searched the area and have completed an overflight to check he was not dumped in the area.
"On a serious note, this statue was a very popular tourist attraction in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It attracted thousands of visitors to our area. Why someone would do such a criminal act is beyond us. Pleas for his return has prompted much traffic on Facebook and he now has his own Facebook page, 'bring back Manannan Mac Lir'.
"Manannan has various links to this area including the Broighter Hoard.
"He was sculpted by Game of Thrones sculptor Darren John Sutton.
"So outraged are local people that local business man Aaron Mc Grotty has offered a reward for his return.
"If you have any information please contact police by phoning 101 or make contact with your local neighbourhood team via the PSNI app."
The sculptor who made the statue, John Sutton, believes it would have taken a number of people with angle grinders several hours to have removed the fibreglass and steel figure.
(MH/CD)
The statue of Manannán Mac Lir, a sea deity in Irish mythology, was stolen from its mount at Gortmore viewing point on Binevenagh Mountain.
On the PSNI Limavady Facebook page, the force said: "A well known six foot tall striking local male with an athletic build. He has shoulder length hair held back with a headband and has a beard. We have concerns for his health in this weather as he is bare chested with only a thin shawl held at the neck with a decorative clasp to keep his top half warm. Evidence at the scene suggests he has injuries to his feet!
"He is a very striking fella so if you have seen him please let us know.
"Last seen standing at Gortmore viewing point Binevenagh Mountain around the 21st January looking out to sea.
"Local police have searched the area and have completed an overflight to check he was not dumped in the area.
"On a serious note, this statue was a very popular tourist attraction in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It attracted thousands of visitors to our area. Why someone would do such a criminal act is beyond us. Pleas for his return has prompted much traffic on Facebook and he now has his own Facebook page, 'bring back Manannan Mac Lir'.
"Manannan has various links to this area including the Broighter Hoard.
"He was sculpted by Game of Thrones sculptor Darren John Sutton.
"So outraged are local people that local business man Aaron Mc Grotty has offered a reward for his return.
"If you have any information please contact police by phoning 101 or make contact with your local neighbourhood team via the PSNI app."
The sculptor who made the statue, John Sutton, believes it would have taken a number of people with angle grinders several hours to have removed the fibreglass and steel figure.
(MH/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 February 2015
Manannán Mac Lir Statue Found By Ramblers
A group of ramblers have found the statue of Celtic sea god Manannán Mac Lir, which was removed from its mount on Binevenagh Mountain near Limavady.
Manannán Mac Lir Statue Found By Ramblers
A group of ramblers have found the statue of Celtic sea god Manannán Mac Lir, which was removed from its mount on Binevenagh Mountain near Limavady.
10 April 2026
Alliance Councillor Calls for Fair Planning Enforcement After Statue Decision
Alliance councillor Sam Nelson has urged consistent enforcement of planning regulations following Belfast City Council's announcement on enforcement concerning a Bobby Sands statue erected on public land in west Belfast without permission.
Alliance Councillor Calls for Fair Planning Enforcement After Statue Decision
Alliance councillor Sam Nelson has urged consistent enforcement of planning regulations following Belfast City Council's announcement on enforcement concerning a Bobby Sands statue erected on public land in west Belfast without permission.
10 April 2026
Illegal Statue A Symptom Of 'Macabre' Normalisation Of Division - Beattie
Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA has described the illegally erected statue of Bobby Sands in West Belfast as a symptom of a much deeper, entrenched problem facing Northern Irish society. In a statement addressing the recent controversy, Mr.
Illegal Statue A Symptom Of 'Macabre' Normalisation Of Division - Beattie
Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA has described the illegally erected statue of Bobby Sands in West Belfast as a symptom of a much deeper, entrenched problem facing Northern Irish society. In a statement addressing the recent controversy, Mr.
23 May 2019
George Best Statue Unveiled In Belfast
Yesterday a life size bronze statue of football legend George Best was unveiled in Belfast on what would have been his 73rd birthday, 22 May. Created by Belfast sculptor Tony Currie and funded by fans through public donations, it captures the iconic player's famed movement and balance as he dribbles with the ball.
George Best Statue Unveiled In Belfast
Yesterday a life size bronze statue of football legend George Best was unveiled in Belfast on what would have been his 73rd birthday, 22 May. Created by Belfast sculptor Tony Currie and funded by fans through public donations, it captures the iconic player's famed movement and balance as he dribbles with the ball.
19 October 2016
Statue Of Rock Legend Rory Gallagher Approved
Planning permission has been approved to build a statue of Irish rock legend Rory Gallagher to be put up at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. Belfast City Council gave the go-ahead at a meeting on Tuesday night, 18 October. The decision will now go before a full council for final approval. Gallagher died in 1995 at the age of 47.
Statue Of Rock Legend Rory Gallagher Approved
Planning permission has been approved to build a statue of Irish rock legend Rory Gallagher to be put up at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. Belfast City Council gave the go-ahead at a meeting on Tuesday night, 18 October. The decision will now go before a full council for final approval. Gallagher died in 1995 at the age of 47.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy start to the day but staying mainly dry with some bright spells developing. A few light showers are possible over northern counties later in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:A largely dry evening with just the odd light shower around. Mainly dry with clear spells overnight but some showers will spread southwards later. Minimum temperature 5 °C.