Civic Reception for Florence McNulty

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A Civic Reception has been held in Recognition of Florence McNulty’s Contribution to the Arts and Community Life in Newry.

Florence McNulty and her best friend Marie Hughes at the Council Reception to recognise Florence's huge contribution to the community through her teaching and also to the Arts through her music and choirs and many musicals.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane hosted the reception in the Council Chamber to celebrate the immeasurable contribution that Florence McNulty has made to the arts, culture and community life in the area.

Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Mickey Ruane presents Florence McNulty with an inscribed crystal bowl at a Council reception in recognition of Florence's contribution to the Arts and Community life in the district. Florence pictured surrounded by friends — Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Mickey Ruane presents Florence McNulty with an inscribed crystal bowl at a Council reception in recognition of Florence's contribution to the Arts and Community life in the district. Florence is pictured surrounded by friends.

Speaking at the Reception, Councillor Ruane said, “Coming from a family of singers, you were gifted with a beautiful mezzo soprano voice which you used with Newry Musical Society and the celebrated Dominican Choir in Newry. One of the Council’s objectives is to empower and improve the capacity of our communities and you have been the embodiment of this throughout your lifetime. For this, I thank you most sincerely.”

Florence McNulty with three lifelong friends, Doreen Finnegan who was her accompanist for the choir and the school and Florence also taught her three children, back row Liam Hannaway Chief Executive Newry, Mourne and Down Council, in his own words 'She half reared me — Florence McNulty with three lifelong friends, Doreen Finnegan who was her accompanist for the choir and the school and Florence also taught her three children. Back row Liam Hannaway Chief Executive Newry, Mourne and Down Council, in his own words 'She half reared me" was involved in plays but Florence would never let him sing?, John Campbell and Liam went along to Waterford with Florence and her sister Laura (now deceased) when they were only 17 or 18 to take part in a production for 4 nights. John also knew Florence as a teacher of St Peter's Primary School Cloughreagh where he is now Principal. John said Florence was an outstanding teacher but the two men have another connection to both Doreen and Florence - they played at both their weddings!

Florence worked as a teacher in St Peter’s Primary School, Cloughreagh as well as being the coordinator for the arts and in this role she wrote, produced and directed plays and musicals for children, and on several occasions these productions won national awards.

Outside of her teaching role, Florence directed musicals for many groups including St Louis Grammar School in Kilkeel. She worked tirelessly with Derramore Singers winning many high profile competitions, including first prize at the Cork International Choral Festival and later went on to form Newry Age Concern Choir.

Councillor Ruane concluded, “The Council and the community are very proud of you and thank you for your years of hard work and service to our community. Florence tonight is all about you. You are surrounded by family and friends and I am honoured to be here with you as Chairperson of our Council. I hope you thoroughly enjoy your evening – I am honoured to host you”.