Write a commentThe 2018 Newry. Mourne and Down Civic Awards Ceremony held last week in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre saw twelve inspirational individuals from the area as well as a Céilí dancing group presented with crystal trophies, in recognition of their remarkable achievements for the area.
The Awards are designed to honour individuals and organisations who in their own unique way have been wonderful ambassadors for Newry, Mourne and Down.
Speaking at the Awards Ceremony Councillor Mulgrew said, “I speak on behalf of the Council and the community when I say we are immensely proud of the remarkable people who are present here tonight.”
“These awards give us the opportunity to officially thank you for your hard work and commitment. It is a privilege to be able to pay homage to you, both for your achievements and for the wonderful work you do on a voluntary basis.”
“I wish you all continuing success in your respective fields. You are excellent ambassadors for Newry, Mourne and Down and contribute greatly to our District, which I am proud to represent as Chairperson.”
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Niall Comer accepts his award from Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew. Niall born and reared in Newry was elected Uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge (President of the Gaelic League) in 2017 and was re-elected to the post this year. Niall is a lecturer in Magee College, the Derry City Campus of Ulster University where he is on the teaching staff of the Irish and Celtic Studies Research Institute with a particular interest in place-names and in language planning. Having taken up a post in the University of Ulster in the Irish Department he continued to promote the work of the Gaelic League and campaigns on a global stage for equality and respect for the Irish Language.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Ruáirí Howell All-Ireland Uilleann Pipe Champion accepts his Award from Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Raisin Mulgrew. Ruáirí has been playing music since he was 4 years old, a member of his local branch Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Newcastle CCE he started playing tin whistle, a year letter he was playing banjo but it was when he was 8 years old he started playing the Uilleann Pipes and after 3 short years he was in the All Ireland Final and got a bronze medal. It was in 2017 when he became at the age of 18 All-Ireland Uilleann Pipe Champion.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Ten year old Eimear Gallagher receives her award from Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew at the Awards Ceremony. Eimear is from Mayobridge and began Irish Dancing as soon as she could walk. A pupil with the Gallagher School and enjoys competing at local, national and international level. The pinnacle of Eimear's achievement was being crowned Under 10 World Champion in March - 'A Dream come True'.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Clare McCabe from Bessbrook accepts her Award from Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew. Clare is being recognised for her fantastic fundraising efforts in memory of her son Harvey who sadly passed away in January 2015 aged two and a half after a short illness. Clare set up 'Thumbs Up for Harvey' and raised funds for a sensory room for the children's ward in Daisy Hill Hospital giving other families who may avail of the children's ward this valuable resource in the future.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Dr. Henry McLaughlin GP in Rostrevor received his award from Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew to mark his commitment as a GP to the community of Rostrevor and Warrenpoint - a commitment which carries on the tradition of providing outstanding GP services by the McLaughlin family for close to 100 years.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Mel McMahon receives his award from Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew. Mel along with Adrian Rice co-founded the Abbey Press in 1997 and the company has already published 18 successful books. Mel's work has appeared widely in journals and anthologies and has been broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster. Mel Head of English at the Abbey School Newry has been short-listed for the Beehive International Poetry Prize and was a prize winner in the FSNI Poetry Competition. Paula Meehan, Ireland Professor of Poetry has summed Mel up in the following quote "Mel McMahon is an archaeologist of memory, private and communal. His people are those that history often overlooks, yet their decency, their care-giving, is the very stuff that holds communities together".
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Oisin Fox accepts his award from Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew. Oisin a Year 12 pupil at St. Joseph's High School was crowned Kick Boxing Champion, this is the best belt that you can win with the International Sport Kick Boxing Association.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Killeavy GAC Céilí dancing team receive an award from Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew. Killeavy GAC Céilí team were crowned All Ireland Céilí Dancing Champions in Sligo in February 2018 defeating the best Céilí dancers across Ireland. All Ireland Champions are Lui Duffy, Tiernan Breslin, Dylan Phillips, Shane Kavanagh, Aimee McAteer, Ellen Cromie, Orlagh McGuinness and Hannah McManus.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Under 10 World Champion Irish Dancer Eimear Gallagher was an Award Recipient at Newry Awards Ceremony l-r CEO Laim Hannaway, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick, Mark, Joseph, Eimear and Paula with Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew and Councillor Jarlath Tinnelly.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Under 10 World Champion Irish Dancer Eimear Gallagher Award Recipient at Newry Awards Ceremony with her family, Granny Goretti Gallagher, Mark, Joseph, Paula with Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew and Grandad Thomas Gallagher at Newry Awards Ceremony.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Mel McMahon Award Recipient with his family and councillors at Newry Awards Ceremony, back row l-r Councillor Davy Hyland, Maria Kane, Philip McMahon, Claire McMahon, Mark McMahon, Councillor Charlie Casey, front row l-r Bernadette and Mel McMahon, Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew and CEO Liam Hannaway.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Alannah Murray accepts her Award from Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew. Alannah two time World Champion Irish Dancer and daughter of Marian and Shane Murray from Crossmaglen started her dancing career 13 years ago with Scoil Rince Mona Ní Rodaigh. Alannah has won 6 major titles, Ulster, All-Ireland, Irish National, Great Britain, All Scotland and American National Championships and regained her World Title in Glasgow 2018 and was crowned U21 Ladies World Champion.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Martin Connell accepts his Award from Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew. Martin's relentless hard work and forward thinking in how sport can be used to engage young people inn more positive based activities has enabled the Respect Project to work with over 3000 young people since it started way back in 2012. Martin has been the driving force in developing and delivering the Respect Project and he also spends countless hours behind the scenes helping to build the confidence and capacity of the other adult and youth volunteer leaders who help him in delivering the project activities.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Judith Campbell receives her Award from Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew. Judith a member of the girls relay team 'the Chillymcfillies' became the first ever national girls relay team to swim Loch Lomond both ways on 30th August 2017, a distance of 70km swam in a record of 30 hours 39 minutes and helped raise £4,000 for Cancer Research UK.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Cara McAleenan accepts her award from Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew. Cara is a student studying Foundation Art & Design Course in Southern Regional College Newry, she entered a competition 'Wedding Journal Young Designer of the Year 2018' to design a wedding dress. Cara competed against students from all over Ireland and was crowned 'All Ireland Wedding Journal Young Designer of the Year 2018' with her Wedding Dress inspired by the theme 'Oriental and Cherry Blossom influenced by fashion designer Oscar De La Renta.
NEWRY AWARDS NIGHT
Pádraigin Ní Uallacháin singer, researcher, poet and composer receives her award from Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew. Pádraigin born in Co. Louth now living in Mullaghbawn, South Armagh with her husband traditional singer Len Graham and family. Pádraigin's work as a singer, collector, researcher and advocate for traditional song has long been recognised by her peers in the singing community, she has performed widely throughout Ireland and Internationally and has an impressive catalogue of recordings and the landmark publication 'A Hidden Ulster' people, songs and traditional of Oriel. Pádraigin has recorded nine albums including traditional song, children's songs and lullabies and her own acclaimed compositions.
