Write a commentDown County Museum was the venue for a Civic Awards ceremony to recognise local individuals and organisations in the Down area who have been inspirational ambassadors. The event was hosted by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew.
The Awards, which are set to be an annual event, marks the achievements of people throughout the whole Council district with nominations coming from Councillors and the Chairperson.
The ceremony recognised achievement in a wide variety of fields, from volunteering in the community to cross community performing arts and international sporting achievements. A similar event for people in the Newry area, will take place this week.
Speaking at the Awards Ceremony, Councillor Mulgrew said, “I am delighted to present these prestigious awards to these remarkable people who, in their diverse fields, have contributed so much to our community and our society.
“These awards allow us to take the opportunity to officially thank everyone here for their hard work and commitment. It is a privilege to be able to pay homage to everyone, both for their achievements and for the wonderful work they do on a voluntary basis.”
Councillor Mulgrew concluded, “I wish all our award recipients continuing success in their chosen fields. They can feel proud for being such excellent ambassadors for Newry, Mourne and Down, a district which I am proud to represent as Chairperson.”
The Awards
Downpatrick Lions Club—which has 20 chapters in the district, for their service to the community, including a talking newspaper for the visually impaired and a month get together for senior citizens and their involvement in local, national and international projects.
Martin McMullan-Life Adventure Centre—which has, over the past 15 years, developed into an award winning Activity Tourism Hub for both Castlewellan Forest Park and the wider district. In 2017, the Centre won the ‘Best Trail Head Provider’ as voted by the public through the Mountain Bike NI Awards.
Rory Kavanagh, Adam Shannon, Ryan McEvoy-Downpatrick Karate School—All three young men have recently represented the North of Ireland at the eight WIKF World Karate championship in Curacao.
Mourne Mountain Rescue Team—the team provides an invaluable service in the Mourne Mountains and beyond, as well as educating and informing the public about safety and rescue in mountainous and other outdoor environments.
Joe Quinn MBE—long time and now retired civil servant, who has inspired many in the world of sport and long distance running. The Loughinisland native took up running in 1984 after the end of his football career and has been instrumental in developing the East Down Athletics Club.
Nathan Green—this young man from Seaforde has taken the local motocross scene by storm, being crowned the Ulster 85cc champion in September 2017. Having started his career at the tender age of 10, he is now racing on 250cc bikes and looking for more success in the future.
Caoimhin Morgan—is an Irish Dancing World Champion who has won the prestigious title three years in a row—2016, 2017 and 2018. Caoimhin is a member of the Murray School of Irish Dance in Ballynahinch and combines dancing with studying at university.
Helen Graham—this inspirational Crossgar woman has been volunteering at the Crossgar Community Hall, ensuring that the hall is accessible to all those who wish to use it.
Ciara Mackey, Paddy McGennity, Attracta Campbell-Newcastle Glees—The Glees is a Newcastle based cross community musical society. All three of the award winners have found time in their busy lives to take part in productions, gathering accolades and praise for their skills, both on and off the stage. In 2017 Ciara won Best Female Singer for her role as Janet Van Der Graaf in The Drowsy Chaperone, Paddy was awarded Best Actor at the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) awards for his role as Man in Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Attracta won the UnSung award at the 2017 AIMS ceremony for her work behind the scenes.
Kerry Rooney, Director of Kaleidoscope—As Artistic Director who established Kaleidoscope in 2006, Kerry has been responsible for one of the area’s most innovative and dynamic arts organisations, offering a mix of theatre, festivals and live events.
