Local Man Receives Honorary Doctorate from Ulster University

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor Naomi Bailie and Chief Executive Liam Hannaway congratulate Dr. John Farrell on receiving his honorary doctorate from Ulster University for Services to Business, Local Government and Sport.  A native of Kilbroney in Rostrevor, John was educated in St Mary’s Primary School Rostrevor and St. Colman’s College Newry and now resides in Burren with his wife Geraldine and his children Ciara, Thomas and Sharon. 

After graduating in 1981 from Ulster University he joined the Council’s Environmental Health Department specialising in Food Safety.  Rising through the ranks he was appointed Director of Environmental Health in 2006 and Director of Health, Environment and Building Control in 2011.  Dr. Farrell has been a champion of customer service excellence and many public health and environmental issues. Under his leadership the Council has been at the forefront of sustainability.

John has served the GAA at all levels, Club, County, Ulster and National Croke park Committees. He has been President of the Ulster University Gaelic Academy for over 30 years.  In that time Jordanstown has become one of the largest, innovative and most successful units within the third level sector, wining nearly 60 All-Ireland titles. He was instrumental in organising an exhibition of Gaelic football in Lenin stadium, Moscow and tours of Australia, America and Europe.

Cllr Naomi Bailie congratulated John on his award and said “It was a fitting recognition for many years of public and voluntary service to both local government and the GAA”.

Dr. Farrell thanked Ulster University for the award and stated “that he was deeply humbled by the magnificent honour bestowed on him and his family”