However we may come to know it, the Newry Navvy now stands on Sugar Island as a reminder of all the local workmen who not only laboured in the construction of the first summit-level canal in these islands, but also the local navvies who went out to construct further canals, railroads and bridges, and indeed buildings throughout the world!
I feel immensely proud of these men and grateful to those who schemed to have this fine sculpture erected on this site.
Barry Linnane’s rendering of the unknown canal labourer of the eighteenth century stands in tribute to Newry’s past workers.