Local Groups Celebrated at Newry Good Relations Event

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council held a Celebration of Good Relations event at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry on Thursday last 16 October, shining a spotlight on the work of local groups supported through the Council's Good Relations Financial Assistance Scheme. The evening brought community and voluntary organisations and funders/ partners together.

Attendees got the chance to speak directly with funding bodies including the Community Relations Council, the Central Good Relations Fund and the Council's Grants and Funding Team about future funding opportunities.

Council Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell paid tribute to the work being done across the district. "We were delighted to host this Celebration of Good Relations event. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the positive work that is ongoing throughout Newry, Mourne and Down and celebrate the work of groups and individuals who dedicate their time to bringing the people of our district together," he said.

Peter Osborne, former Chair of the Community Relations Council, delivered a keynote address. Mr Osborne has been a leading figure in civil and peacebuilding developments across Northern Ireland.

A panel discussion heard from representatives of The Respect Project in Newry, The Schomberg Society in Kilkeel and Youth Initiatives in Downpatrick, who shared stories of fostering good relations at grassroots level. The evening also featured performances by Kirknarra School of Dance from Kilkeel and St Joseph's Pipe Band from Glasdrummond, showcasing the district's cultural diversity and demonstrating how arts and culture can connect communities.

The Celebration was part of Good Relations Week 2025, which ran from Monday 13 to Sunday 19 October. The region-wide initiative is co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council and supported by The Executive Office under the Together: Building a United Community strategy.