Write a commentA new Chain of Office has been designed for the Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to wear. The old Newry and Mourne chain of office had been used by the first citizen since the amalgamation of Down District Council with Newry and Mourne Council.
Chairman Mark Murnin has explained the new chain’s design and origins. “In order to be cost effective the new Chain of Office uses the chain of the legacy Down District Council and the Council has commissioned a new pendant, which depicts our new Council identity - a stone shape, inspired by the region’s-dry stone walls, along with a staff and spear which are intended to suggest St Patrick and Cú Chulainn, two of our area’s most iconic figures.
“It is a great honour to perform the role of Chairman of Council and act as First Citizen of the District, and I am delighted that this new Chain of Office will be available to be worn with honour and dignity by all those who undertake this role, in the incoming years."
The centre piece of the former chain of office will be passed to Down County Museum and the legacy Newry and Mourne District Council chain will be passed to Newry and Mourne Museum for safe-keeping and historical purposes.
