Minutes:
The Lord Mayor, on behalf of the Council, congratulated and thanked all staff and volunteers for their work and contribution to the successful delivery of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which was held in the city in August. A number of Members echoed the comments of the Lord Mayor.
The Deputy Lord Mayor stated that he had recently attended the Intercultural Community Development Foundation’s ‘Young People Talent Showcase’ which celebrated the creativity and skills of young people. He shared some of the comments of the young people from a range of cultural backgrounds on their experiences of living in Belfast.
Councillor Lyons thanked all those who had contributed to the rediscovery, restoration and rededication of the grave in Balmoral Cemetery of John McCredy McAlery who had introduced association football to Ireland in 1878 and had founded Cliftonville Football Club in 1879.
Alderman Lawlor marked Orange Victims Day, which remembered members of the Orange Institution who had been murdered and extended his thoughts to the victims’ friends and families.
Councillor Murray referred to the wide range festivals which took place within the city over the summer period, and which highlighted the city’s diversity and support for culture, music and the arts.
Councillor de Faoite highlighted that a fundraising gig would take place at the First Presbyterian Church on Rosemary Street on 4th September, 2026, in aid of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
Condolences
The Lord Mayor extended condolences on behalf of the Council to the Director of City and Neighbourhood Services, Jim Girvan, on the recent passing of his sister.
Councillors M. Donnelly and de Faoite expressed their condolences to the family of retired Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Eoin Doyle who had recently passed. At the request of Councillor M. Donnelly, the Lord Mayor agreed to write to the family on behalf of the Council to extend its condolences.
Councillor de Faoite also expressed his condolences on the recent passing of Dolly Parton and commended her for her charitable work and efforts, including the Imagination Library programme which gifted free books to children.
Congratulations
The Lord Mayor congratulated Councillor Flynn and his husband on their recent marriage and wished them well for the future.
Councillor Lyons and Brennan congratulated the Antrim Ladies teams which won the All-Ireland Junior Football and the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championships in August. At the request of Councillor Lyons, the Lord Mayor agreed to mark the recent successes of the Antrim teams with a reception in City Hall.
Councillor M. Donnelly congratulated West Belfast’s Coran Madden, formerly of Cliftonville Football Club, who had recently signed his first professional contract with English Premier League club Brentford.
Councillor R. Brooks congratulated McArthur Nursery School which had celebrated its 90th anniversary in June; Nettlefield Primary School which would be celebrating in its 90th anniversary in September; and Euston Street Primary School and Nursery Unit which would also be celebrating in September to mark its centenary.
Councillor de Faoite congratulated Bredagh GAC’s senior reserve hurlers who had recently won the Betsy Grey Shield. At the request of Councillor de Faoite, the Lord Mayor agreed to mark the recent success of Bredagh GAC’s senior reserve hurlers.
Councillor Kelly congratulated Garyn McAllister from Sandy Row who had won a bronze medal for Team NI in the men’s 90kg boxing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. At the request of Councillor Kelly, the Lord Mayor agreed to send a letter of congratulations to Garyn on his recent success.