Glengormley Park was renamed Lilian Bland Community Park on 24th August 2011, when a new sculpture to commemorate the historic achievements of Newtownabbey’s celebrated aviator Lilian Bland, was officially unveiled.
The Mayfly sculpture situated in the park depicts Lilian Bland’s biplane ‘The Mayfly’ which took flight from Carnmoney Hill in 1910. The structure is a lasting legacy to her amazing achievement as the first woman in Ireland to design, build and fly her own plane.
The stainless steel artwork, which is also a children’s play item, was designed by Skelton Rainey and is a full-size representation of Lilian’s biplane. The sculpture was built by Nijen Stainless Fabrications, Carrickfergus.