Mayor praises local Famine Committee for work in securing commemoration

Following last weeks announcement that the 2015 Famine Commemoration is taking place in Newry in September, Naomi Bailie, Chairperson of  Newry, Mourne and Down District Council  has acknowledged the hard work by the local committee in securing the event.

"As Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council I am delighted to hear the announcement from the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD that the 2015 Famine Commemoration will take place on Saturday 26 September 2015 in Newry, Co Down.

"It is a great honour for our district and it is a reflection of Newry’s capacity to host such a prestigious event following on from our experience in hosting major events such as the Olympic and Paralympics Flames.

"I want to acknowledge the hard work of the local community and in particular the local committee promoting the Famine and John Mitchel events in securing the bid for this prestigious event as it is the first time this Commemoration will be held North of the border and reflects the strategic standing which Newry has on the eastern seaboard corridor."