Write a comment
Following our story on Newry.ie this morning about funding being withdrawn from Newry Gateway Club, a happy Paddy Duffy has announced this evening that the Southern Trust have reversed their decision.
Speaking about the past 24 hours Gateway Club Chairman Paddy Duffy said "After what was a harrowing 24 Hours for us in Gateway when we received the cruel news our Funding from the Southern Health and Care Trust was to be withdrawn, I am please to confirm that after much lobbying and many phone calls, text messages and E Mails, The Trust have made the wise decision to withdraw their proposal of withdrawing Funding to the Club and we can look forward to 2025 with the knowledge that our Finances are secure for moving forward."
Thanking the two local MLA's Duffy added "It would be remiss of me not to extend my sincere thanks to local MlAs Liz Kimmins and Justin Mc Nulty.
"Liz in her role as Chairperson of the Stormont Health Committee did everything in her power to have the decision overturned. Justin worked quietly behind the scenes to do his bit to achieve the same outcome.
"From the comments etc received on Facebook it is obvious the Newry Gateway is a great part of the Fabric if this fantastic Community."
Newry.ie are always pleased to highlight our readers issues and Newry Gateway Club is without question one of Newry's success stories and a true representation of the selflessness of local volunteers. Thankfully common sense prevailed today. Duffy concluded "I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the Newry Democrat and Newry.ie for their rapid response to carry the story relating to our Funding. If you have a story or want to highlight an issue Columba is your man. Thanks again everyone for your concerns. Gateway will move forward stronger "
Bringing love and sparkles to peoples lives
MLA Justin McNulty also was happy that the decision was reversed. Mr McNulty said "For over 50 years, Newry & District Gateway Club has provided a lifeline service to adults and children with learning disabilities and for their families. At a time when people with disabilities were left on the margins of society, Newry Gateway were trailblazers and light givers in providing an inclusive and accommodating space, where members of all ages could shine and thrive.
"Today, Newry Gateway provides that same exceptional, and cross-community, support to people from as wide a catchment area as Banbridge, Lurgan, Armagh, Kilkeel, Newry and Crossmaglen.
"I am at a loss as to why the Southern Trust had imposed such a cruel cut on the most vulnerable in our society, particularly when the value of current funding provided stands at just £10,000"
Speaking about the successful turnaround the MLA concluded "I am very happy to have successfully worked quietly behind the scenes to have this ridiculous cut reversed. A major well done to Paddy Duffy who knows how to shake the tree when he needs to
"The Gateway will keep bringing love and sparkles to people’s lives"
