Write a commentCouncillor Daire Hughes, Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council and Councillor Martin Donaghy, Mayor of Bolton presided at an Interdenominational Ceremony yesterday in memory of all those led to rest in the Paupers Graveyard, Camlough Road, Newry.
Due to the inclement weather the events had to be moved to Bessbrook Town Hall.
The Service was organised by Newry and Mourne District Council at the request of the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Martin Donaghy, a native of Bessbrook who wished to erect a headstone in honour of his late Grandmother who is laid to rest at the Paupers Graveyard.
Speaking at the event Mayor Hughes said “I am delighted to welcome the party of distinguished guests whom Martin has brought from Bolton Council.
"We all have shared the experience of welcoming someone back into our midst after a period away from home and so it is that today, collectively, we welcome the return of a local man, Councillor Martin Donaghy, a native of Bessbrook.
"I am honoured to be present at this prestigious event today, remembering this hallowed resting place of so many of our Citizens from Newry and Mourne.
"I feel particularly privileged to address you as the last Mayor of Newry and Mourne ahead of the seismic changes which lie ahead for Local Government here in the North of Ireland in 2015.
"Today is a classic example of a person returning to their roots and today Martin is completing a journey on which he set out on the 26 April this year at the unveiling of the Newry Docker Sculpture. On that occasion he paid tribute to his late father, a life long employee in the Port of Newry and today the circle is completed with this lovely tribute to his Grandmother and all those countless soles who rest here with her."
