Mayoral congratulations are extended to high achievers

At the outset of last Monday night’s monthly meeting of council in The Braid, Alderman McAvoy pointed out that he fulfilled numerous Mayoral engagements in June and he paid tribute to a lengthy list of local successes which included...

* Four local recipients of the BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List: Betty Millar (for services to Cancer Research and People with Cancer), Paul McKee (for Services to Amateur Sport, Basketball and the Community), Phil McKeown (For Services to Healthcare in NI) and Libby Henry (For Services to the Community in Northern Ireland); and, also Joan Carmichael, part of the family who owns the Rosspark Hotel in Kells, on being awarded an MBE (For Services to the Hospitality Industry and the Community in NI). Mayor McAvoy pointed out that he intended to hold a civic reception in their honour.

* Claire Galloway, Clinical Lead Nurse for sexual health with the Northern Trust, on being named the Royal College of Nursing Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year; and, also runner-up Mabel McFall from Portglenone.

* Lauren McKeegan (11), on being crowned the U-12 World and European Champion at the World Irish Dance Association competitions in Germany.

* The community of Broughshane on winning the Best Kept Small Town category at Ireland’s Best Kept Towns 2012. Also Coleraine on scooping the All Ireland Best Kept Large Urban Centre Award, winning its category for the third consecutive year. - Numerous councillors supported the Mayor’s congratulations for Broughshane including Robin Cherry, Sam Hanna, and Beth Clyde.

* Emma Higgins on being shortlisted for a place on the GB football squad for the London 2012 Olympics. Cllr Paul Maguire supported the Mayor’s congratulations to Emma.

* Emma Kernohan on being selected to represent Ireland at the European Under 16 international hockey tournament being held in Spain this month.

In conclusion, the Mayor expressed his delight at the many local people who had the opportunity to attend the Queen’s visit to Stormont.

“It was really good that so many Councillors and people from the borough got this opportunity,” he said.