Farewell party for Diarmaid

Farewell party for Diarmaid

18 May 2022

GLEBE House, near Kilclief, will be hosting a farewell party for its dedicated centre manager at the end of the month.

Diarmaid McGarrigle has contributed over 40 years of positive community relations work at Glebe House, which is operated by the Harmony Community Trust.

The farewell party is being held on Saturday, May 28, to which friends, family members, neighbours, colleagues and volunteers are invited.

Diarmaid first came to Glebe House in 1977 as a volunteer with City Of Derry International Voluntary Service on a residential project with disabled children.

He returned in 1982 as a residential long-term volunteer, moving on to full-time employment as, firstly, the facilities worker and then facilities manager.

Finally, he was appointed centre manager, responsible for the management and development of a variety  programmes as well as the maintenance of the Glebe House centre.

Helen Honeyman, past co-ordinator and chairperson of the Harmony Community Trust, paid a special tribute to Diarmaid.

She said: “Over the years Diarmaid has initiated a variety of environmental and community relations projects, welcomed hundreds of international volunteer workers and visitors, kept the ever- expanding facilities and grounds in good order and introduced countless Irish ‘townies’ to the ups and downs of country living.

“Protecting and appreciating the local history and environment, as well as  a sustainable and shared society, have been cornerstones of his work at Glebe House.”

She added: “Although he is a Derry man through and through, Diarmaid has also becomed embedded in the community of Kilclief and Strangford. He will be greatly missed when he moves back to the Maiden City.”

Anyone who would like to attend Diarmaid’s farewell party is asked to email hhoneyman1@gmail.com, or telephone 07912 548141.