Write a commentA council committee has agreed to move forward with a proposal to erect a statue remembering Newry born Willie Maley, who in 1897 at the age of 29 became the first Manager of Glasgow Celtic FC.
Mr Maley who brought 16 league championships and 14 Scottish Cups to the team was born in Linenhall Barracks in Newry in 1868 where his father was stationed as a Sergeant .
The Newry, Mourne and Down Council Active and Healthy Communities committee met on Monday night and discussed a recent request from Willie Maley Celtic Supporters Club to reignite the project which has been under discussion for some years, The project goes as far back as 2001 having been proposed then by Newry man John McCabe who worked with the late Cllr Pat McElroy and former Cllr Jack Patterson in moving the project forward.
A budget for £20K had been included the 2014/15 rates in the Legacy Newry and Mourne council but the project didn't proceed at the time.
The project recommended officers develop proposals including potential costs, sources of funding and any likely captial committment from council as well as contacting potential partners re location and funding options.
Michael Lipsett, Director of Active and Healthy Communities pointed out there was no money available for the project in the current 2017/18 financial year but will include in rates for following year.
Cllr Stephen Burns proposed and Cllr Liz Kimmins seconded that the project be developed, the decision subject to ratification at full council meeting in March.
