A mural of Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody that adorned a gable wall on Dufferin Avenue in Bangor has been painted over and replaced with a question mark.

Artist Johnny Hamilton, known locally as Jossiepops, created the portrait in 2024 on the side of a building owned by Hamilton Morris Waugh. It was part of a series of pop-culture murals he has painted across the city.

Work on a new mural is now underway. Hamilton said the replacement will be “more abstract” and may not be a portrait, departing from his usual style. A boom lift has been ordered so he can use the full height of the wall, while he currently concentrates on the bottom section.

Hamilton dismissed speculation that the new piece would feature golfer Rory McIlroy. He said he is still searching for a suitable gable wall to honour the sporting figure.

Asked about the reaction to removing the Lightbody mural, Hamilton said the piece had been popular and that its disappearance prompted discussion on local Facebook groups. He stated his aim is to spark conversation, regardless of whether opinions are positive or negative.