Council Chairperson Honours Local Ambassadors at Virtual Awards Ceremony

At a special virtual awards ceremony held on Wednesday 27 May, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey gave special recognition to 30 inspirational community organisations and individuals from across the district for the work they do within their communities.

The Chairperson’s Annual Recognition Awards event was co-hosted by both the Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey and mind reader and entertainer, David Meade.  Despite doing things differently this year due to social distancing restrictions, David’s quick wit and trickery provided online viewers with a truly entertaining evening as the Chairperson honoured those in the categories of Community/Voluntary, Sports, Arts, Human Endeavor, Fundraising and Lifetime Achievement.

Speaking at the event Councillor Casey said, “I speak on behalf of the Council and the community when I say we are immensely proud of the remarkable people who are being recognised tonight.  These awards give us the opportunity to officially thank you for your hard work and commitment.   It is a privilege to be able to pay homage to you, both for your achievements and for the wonderful work you do on a voluntary basis.  I wish you all continuing success in your respective fields.  You are excellent ambassadors for Newry, Mourne and Down and contribute greatly to our district, which I am proud to represent as Chairperson.”

The Chairperson’s theme for his year in office was ‘family’ and at the event Councillor Casey also presented cheques of £2,500 to each of his three chosen charities - Autism Families, Birthwise and Cuan Mhuire, which all support local families in times of great need.  The Chairperson said, “Autism Families, Birthwise and Cuan Mhuire do tremendous work with families and are making a real difference.  For each of us our families are the most fundamental part of our lives - this is where we all find the support, love and trust that we need to make each day matter and never has family been more important to us all as it has in the recent weeks. Unfortunately, due to the current situation with COVID-19 my fundraising didn’t reach its full potential, however I am conscious that in the voluntary sector every penny raised does make a difference.  I hope this will go some way in supporting the vital work they each do.”

The awards ceremony is still available to view from the NEWS section on the Council website: newrymournedown.org and our Youtube channel: youtu.be/0JEXABPsYV4