Tributes are paid to two Ballina greats
Pictured at the unveiling of 'God's Corner' near the River Brusna in Ballina were, from left: Martin Devaney, Paddy O'Hora, Caimin O'Donnell, Rodney O'Donnell, Martha O'Donnell, Olwyn O'Donnell, Olive O'Donnell, David O'Malley, Alan Rowe and Alan Maloney. Picture: John O'Grady
A mural has been unveiled in Ballina in memory of a man who was one of the leading voices for the abolition of slavery in the United States in the 1800s.
The mural on the banks of the Brusna River is dedicated to William Shannon and located in the Downhill Road area of Ballina. It was unveiled by volunteers from Ballina Community Clean-Up group in recent weeks.
Shannon was born in the Caltra area of the town and later moved to America. He passed the New York Bar exams before serving in the US Navy during the Mexican-American War. After his military service, he was based in California.
Whilst there, Shannon became the mayor of the town of Coloma and later served in the State Senate. He was a leading voice in the fight to abolish slavery and secured the declaration in the California Bill of Rights that slavery or involuntary servitude would not be tolerated, unless for the punishment of crimes. Shannon died while still in his 20s, according to records online.
The mural was painted by local artist Leslie Lackey and depicts a breaking of chains to symbolise Shannon’s dedication to the abolitionist cause and shows the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, California alongside the Salmon Weir bridge in Ballina.
Ballina Community Clean-Up member David O’Malley said William Shannon is an important, if not fully known, figure of local history.
“We always hope to do murals for the famous people from Ballina, it is good for our town to preserve our history and for tourism as well,” he explained. “William Shannon was an interesting figure. He passed the New York Bar exam and served in the military and then went on to be a political figure in California.
“His role in the abolition of slavery makes him a really important figure to recognise, especially coming from Ballina.”
A special tribute was also paid on the day to late Ballina Rugby Club legend and local businessman Gerry O’Donnell, who passed away in July 2023. Gerry, who was popularly known by his acronym GOD, is now remembered in a special place along the banks of the Brusna River entitled 'God's Corner'.
