Derry Girls star Siobhan McSweeney took to social media to express her joy in her involvement in opening the newly-refurbished cinematic arts studio at Ulster University’s Derry campus named after former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the late Mo Mowlam.
In a tweet, she said: "Absolutely honoured to be involved in a very small way at the opening of the Mo Mowlem Studio in Derry. What a fitting tribute to a marvellous woman."
A video message from Derry Girls star Siobhan McSweeney was played at the event of the unveiling of the new studio.
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In the video, she said: "A great woman once said, 'People working together can overcome many obstacles, often within themselves, and by doing so can make the world a better place'.
"That woman, Mo Mowlam, certainly made the world a better place and she certainly made this part of the world a better place.
"I wish I could be there today. I would love to have celebrated the legacy of Mo Mowlam in such an apt place. I don’t want to be so presumptuous to speak as if I knew her but that was the very special thing about Mo, we all felt as if we knew her.
"I feel that an educational, creative and hopeful space for students to come and learn about the creative arts is a far better legacy than an old statue in a square somewhere.
"I think she would have approved. I know she was a practical woman and I know she certainly was a woman interested in the creative arts and as a woman who has benefited greatly from the creative arts, I wish I could be there today but unfortunately I can’t.
"I want to say welcome and good luck to everyone today and unlike a mushroom this did not pop up overnight, this would have taken many many months of planning and organising so I would like to say thank you. Well done and have a great day and thank you Mo, always, forever."
The studio will enable Ulster University’s Cinematic Arts students in Derry to harness their creative talents and develop their skills in a controlled environment, replicating a professional film studio.
Those in attendance at the official opening included Mo’s stepdaughter, director and producer Henrietta Norton, current leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, current Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Kyle, and former Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Louise Haigh.
Speaking at the event, Sir Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the Labour Party, said: "Mo Mowlam was a true political force with an unwavering dedication to peace. Her political skill, courage and charisma brought people together from all sides, and as part of the last Labour government, she helped pave the way for the Good Friday Agreement.
"Mo loved the people of Northern Ireland, and was passionate about securing better opportunities for the next generation. I’m honoured to see her legacy celebrated with the opening of the Mo Mowlam Studio at Ulster University's campus in Derry today. It will support the University's Cinematic Arts students for years to come, and is an investment in Northern Ireland's creative industries."
Sophie Hetherington, Year 2 Graphic Design and Illustration student at Ulster University who created the mural of Mo Mowlam at the studio said: " Graphic Design isn’t just a degree to me, it’s something I love and have so much interest in and aspire to learn more about it every day.
"I am so honoured to be given this opportunity to create this mural in honour of Mo Mowlam. Mo Mowlam was such an inspiring woman and to say I have created this mural, to represent her, is such an amazing experience for me."
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