Thanks to Van for putting us on map

Thanks to Van for putting us on map

2 September 2015

COUNCIL chiefs have been asked to recognise legendary Belfast singer Van Morrison for helping put East Down on the international tourism map.

In the same week as Van the Man marked his 70th birthday with two concerts at Belfast’s Cyprus Avenue which inspired him during his early musical career, South Down MP Margaret Ritchie wants Morrison to be formally recognised for the major impact his iconic song Coney Island has had on the local and international tourism stage.

Miss Ritchie is also keen for the Ulster History Circle to work alongside Newry, Mourne and Down Council to recognise the Belfast singer who has achieved the rare feat of combining commercial success with enduring, international critical acclaim.

His Coney Island creation may be one of the shortest songs he has have ever penned, but Morrison’s imagery vividly captures the imagination and is a song close to the hearts of many people very familiar with Coney Island and Lecale.

The classic song takes people on a journey to Coney Island and makes reference to St John’s Point, Strangford Lough, Shrigley, Killyleagh, Ardglass and Downpatrick and ends with that classic line: “Wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all the time.”

Miss Ritchie said the legendary East Belfast singer should be recognised in the Down area for his song which captures Coney Island and Ardglass and the strong connections to the fishing industry.

“Tourism is one of our principal economic drivers in South Down with direct links to economic growth and job creation,” she continued.

“I believe Van’s connection and world renowned music productions and songs should be promoted and celebrated by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.”

The MP confirmed she has written to council officials asking them to formally recognise Morrison in Coney Island and Ardglass and to mark his contribution to East Down with some form of celebration.”

A number of years ago Morrison was the headline act at a sold out concert at Killyleagh Castle, with his music crossing the generations.

His mother Violet was a keen singer, while his father George worked at the Harland and Wolff shipyard, and collected jazz and blues records in his spare time. Morrison formed his first group when he was in his early teens and a pupil at Orangefield High School.

He had early success with his band Them, but it was his solo album Astral Weeks, recorded over three days in New York in 1968, that brought him global renown.

Now Morrison could feature in a new celebration in East Down recognising the huge impact his song about a car journey to the stunningly beautiful Coney Island has had across the globe.