Former chair hails ‘amazing year’

Former chair hails ‘amazing year’

7 June 2017

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council’s outgoing chairwoman, Gillian Fitzpatrick, reflected on her  “amazing year” before handing over the chain of office to Mrs Mulgrew at last week’s annual meeting.

Councillor Fitzpatrick thanked the public for the support they gave her during her term in office. She said she attended many events across the entire district and highlighted the launch of the local authority’s tourism strategy as one of the most significant.

“The council’s objective is to create and deliver an epic experience for local people and visitors to Newry, Mourne and Down and I can say that I truly had an amazing and epic experience this year,” she continued.

“I would like to thank Councillor Garth Craig for his work as deputy chairman and for his support throughout the year and council chief executive, Liam Hannaway, and the directors for their guidance and counsel.”

Councillor Fitzpatrick said she could not end her year in office without mentioning the local authority’s democratic services team.

“I couldn’t have conducted my business without the team. They all worked tirelessly to ensure that I was able to attend so many events across the entire district as well as organising my recent charity ball which was a truly successful event. I am delighted with the funds which we raised for my chosen charities and the donations will be presented in due course.”

She continued: “I have had an amazing year, it was tremendous, enjoyable, heart rendering, thoughtful and at times tough. I met so many people, individuals, community and voluntary groups and business people and thank each and every one for opening their arms to me. I embraced everyone on behalf of the people of the district.”

Councillor Fitzpatrick wished her successor and new deputy chairman the very best in their respective new roles and thanked the SDLP for trusting her with the district’s first citizen role.

Councillor Craig said it was an honour to serve as deputy chairman and that while he too attended a number of memorable events for worthwhile causes, it would be very difficult to single out one.  

He added: “Thanks to Gillian for her tireless work and the manner in which she conducted her duties; they were carried out in exemplary fashion. My thanks also go to Liam and his team for their support. The chief executive’s door is an ever open door, which is recognised and appreciated by all councillors.

“I am very grateful to the democratic services team who helped and supported me throughout the year and thanks to my party colleagues and indeed all the members who showed me respect over the past year. I rust that in return, I showed respect to everyone.”