Harpist Sarah McVeigh who entertained guests at the Chairperson’s Civic

Guests enjoy the Chairperson’s Civic Awards

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne welcomes guests to his Chairperson’s Civic Awards event.

Annette Kelly, Little Penny Thoughts introduced the Chairperson of Council, Councillor Pete Byrne.

Councillor David Lee-Surginor Deputy Chairperson arrives for the 2024 Civic Awards Ceremony. and is welcomed by Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents Stephen Deegan with a Civic Award in the Arts/Culture Category. Stephen represents Boirche Íochtar a cultural organisation which also founded Naíscoil and Gaelscoil na mBeann, the Irish-medium nursery and primary school in Kilkeel. The provide support the Irish-Language community, both fluent speakers and learners. They were nominated by Councillor Michael Rice.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents Karena McGahan representing St. Oliver Plunkett Youth Club, Crossmaglen, with a Civic Award in the Community Category. The club was due to close in March 2023 due to unexpected cuts in funding from the Education Authority, Karena after leading the challenge against this decision brought all community groups, schools, youth services together and arranged a public meeting. The club has been in existence for over 60 years, Karena’s campaign worked and the Education Authoriy reversed their decision and returned funding to keep the club open as the only full-time youth provision in the South Armagh Area. Karena was nominated by Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne.

Category. Conor is a member of Flynn Performing Arts and has completed grade 6 in classical singing and musical theatre with distinction. Conor is a member of Newry Youth Performing Arts performing in many musicals and has achieved grade 5 in acting, speech and drama. This talented young man has raised over £5,000 for the Mandeville Unit Craigavon Area Hospital through the production of an album called ‘A Gift of Hope in 2021’, he also assisted raising over £40,000 for local charities with Flynn Performing Arts Showcases. Conor was nominated by Councillor Declan Murphy.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents a Civic Award to Maureen King in the Community Category. Maureen has operated for decades within the charitable/community sector, quietly behind the scenes doing right for people and never seeking recognition. Maureen is a founding member of PIPS Hope and Support and MYMY. Prior to establishing MYMY Maureen would go for walks with those suffering from depression, check in on them regularly ad had an open-door policy for her home. She is a member of the local cross community choir, a former volunteer with SVP and Age Concern. Maureen is described by many as the Town’s Mummy. Maureen was nominated by Councillor Laura Devlin.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents Eamon Quinn and James Corrigan representatives from Lissummon Men’s Shed and Community Association with a Civic Award in the Community Category. This group have shown leadership in their area, providing a social base for the entire community from young to old. They were nominated by Councillor Oonagh Magennis.

Newcastle Community Cinema nominated by Councillor Jill Truesdale who was unable to attend l-r Lucy Royal-Dawson, Giles Conlon and Vera Edel Stein who received a Civic Award in the Arts/Culture Category.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents Margaret Morris with a Civic Award in the Human Endeavour Category. Margaret in her 86th year still plays an important role in Mourne Stimulus, she manages their Charity Shop, helps in the Day Centre and has been a Board Member for last 10 years. Margaret was a founding member of the Alzheimer’s Support Group in Kilkeel and was also an officer and leader in the girl’s brigade. Margaret was nominated by Councillor Glynn Hanna.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents James Boyle with a Civic Award in the Community Category. James has been a fantastic advocate for community activism and has been a shinning light in the Crossmaglen area. He is a key player in Crossmaglen Community Association and works tirelessly for the betterment of others. James was nominated by Councillor Aoife Finnegan.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents Peter Morgan and Peter Óg Morgan - Brockagh Sheepdogs in the Sports Category. This father and son duo have won many awards, Peter won Irish National in August and was named Captain of the 15-man team representing Ireland. In August Peter Óg and his dog Tip were crowned Double Lift Champion and he also won the Young Handlers. At only 14 years of age Peter Óg competed and won three oldest trials. They train sheepdogs and Peter is also a judge within the trials. They were nominated by Councillor Leeanne McEvoy.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents Colum and Julia Ferris with a Civic Award in the Community Category. This award recognises their long-term dedication to fundraising for Southern Area Hospice. They have been organising an annual threshing and open day for over 20 years, Colum plays an integral part in Bessbrook District Vintage Tractor Club and they have raised over £130K for SAH. At all their meetings Julia insured that all necessary preparations were taken care of. Colum and Julia were nominated by Councillor David Taylor.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents Vera Edel Stein, Giles Conlon and Lucy Royal-Dawson representing Newcastle Community Cinema with a Civic Award in the Arts/Culture Category. The Cinema has been running for 15 years, a fully cross community central space in the middle of Newcastle. Newcastle Community Centre has an excellent reputation as one of NI best Independent Community Cinemas and have great support from Film NI. They were nominated by Councillor Jill Truesdale.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents representatives from Dromintee Senior Citizens Club with a Civic Award in the Community Category. The Cub was formed in 1982 and holds various fundraising events, provides meals once a month, Christmas Dinner and an annual holiday for elderly residents and has brought the community and those from their neighbouring villages together. The Club would not be the success it is but for the energy and enthusiasm of all volunteers involved. They were nominated by Councillor Mickey Larkin.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Newry with a Civic Award in the Community And Voluntary Category for working tirelessly to secure funding for Newry Pride and continuing to make the community more inclusive. Pictured (L-R) Cara Finnegan, Jenny Deane and Daria Nifhaoláin

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents Dominic Quinn with a Civic Award in the Community And Voluntary Category for his services to Saval GAC.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents Lianne McCooey and Darren Matthews with a Civic Award in the Arts Awards Category for significant contributions to the community in Newry City through comedy and entertainment.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents Sean (Rocky) Byrne with a Civic Award in the Human Endeavour Category for his outstanding achievement of 200 platelet donations to the Northern Ireland Transfusion Service.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents SOS Daisy Hill Hospital Committee with a Civic Award in the Community And Voluntary Category for their organisation of a protest in Newry and the continuous fight in keeping Daisy Hill Hospital open.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents Brendan McKernan with a Civic Award in the Sport Category for his dedication of over 40 years to Burren Football and Social Club.

Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne presents Michael Mallon with a Civic Award in the Arts Awards Category for his dedication to highlighting the history of Newry and surrounding areas.