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First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly were just some of the guests at the 2024 Newry Chamber President’s Banquet last week. In its third year the Chamber President's Award was presented to worthy recipients Paddy and John McParland, owners of the Canal Court and Carrickdale Hotels.
The event drew over 250 local business leaders and guests to the Canal Court Hotel on 25 October. The event sponsored by Ulster Bank and the Canal Court, highlighted the shared goals of the Greater Newry business community and rubber stamped a renewed call for strategic support from the NI Executive.
Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade President, Edwina Flynn, addressed a full house and took the opportunity to urge the NI Executive to work in tandem with local business leaders, offering the “hand-up” needed to maximise the area’s economic potential.
The President called on the FM and DFM to help the region overcome persistent challenges and push forward with infrastructure and skills development. She also recalled the floods that hit Newry and surrounding areas last autumn, praising the resilience of local businesses and reminding leaders of the need for government support to match that spirit.
“We need an urgent review of our infrastructure here,” Edwina stated. “We’ve seen the devastation in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, caused by infrastructure failures. Its impact on morale, optimism, and hope, never mind the fiscal and economic impact to business and city centre regeneration.”
She further highlighted that like many other areas in NI, Newry’s growth is held back by ongoing issues around skills and education, leading to an exodus of talent: “We continue to experience a brain drain of skills and talent where our citizens, our children, continue to look away from the opportunities at home.”
In her remarks, Edwina stressed the need for collaborative support at all levels—from local to global—while emphasising that Newry’s infrastructure requirements must be prioritised in government financial plans. “We need a hand-up in putting our area’s infrastructure needs at the heart of financial decision-making in Government,” she said.
Edwina concluded on an optimistic note, acknowledging the meaningful dialogues Newry Chamber has had with several Executive Ministers throughout the year. She added, “We have much to accomplish, but even more to gain, and I am genuinely excited about the future of Newry City and the wider region.”
Chamber honour John and Paddy McParland
This year’s banquet was also the occasion for the Newry Chamber President’s Award, now in its third year. The 2024 recipients were John and Paddy McParland who were recognised for their long-standing contributions to the economic and social fabric of the Greater Newry area.
Hailing from an agricultural background, the McParland brothers have invested in Newry and the surrounding region for decades, building careers in construction and later, hospitality. They opened the Carrickdale Hotel in 1983, and later, in 1998, opened Newry’s first four-star hotel, the Canal Court, which has become a local landmark.
Through their businesses, John and Paddy have created thousands of jobs, mentoring young people and supporting careers across the area. Modest and unassuming, the brothers have never sought the limelight but are widely admired for their unwavering commitment to the community. Their recognition follows in the footsteps of past honorees, including Brian Conlon of First Derivatives and Lord Ballyedmond of Norbrook Laboratories.
The generosity of attendees was also evident, as they raised over £3,400 for Bolster Community and PIPS Hope and Support, this year’s chosen charities.
