Write a commentA reception was held at the Council Chamber in Monaghan Row Newry last night to honour the achievements of Martin Fitzpatrick and his nephew Ronan Fitzpatrick, World Piping Champions and Orlaith Hollywood, World Champion Irish Dancer.
The reception was hosted by Cllr Mickey Ruane, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council who expressed his pride and delight at the winners’ achievements, saying “My Council and all in our community are very proud of each of you”.
The Chairperson commended the performers on the hard work and commitment they put into their practice to achieve these wins at world level. He personally congratulated each of the performers and said he had no doubt they would have many more successes. He honored them as first class ambassadors for the Newry, Mourne and Down District.
He also paid tribute to their families and Clubs, both past and present. Martin and Ronan are both members of McDonald Memorial Band, Dromore and Annsborough respectively. Orlaith is a member of the local Rooney O’Malley Maguire School of Dancing.
Cllr Mickey Ruane added, “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is the third largest of the new Councils, one of our main aims is to have local communities that are energised, empowered and engaged and it is people like who are active within our communities who form the backbone of Newry, Mourne and Down district, making it such a great community”.
All three world champions were given a crystal bowl to mark their achievements for the area by the Chairperson and each then did a short performance for the council members and visitors present.
