Minutes:
The Lord Mayor and members representing each of the political parties on the Council conveyed congratulations to Councillor Jenna Maghie on the birth of a daughter on Tuesday, 29th April. The Lord Mayor agreed to write to Councillor Maghie to extend congratulations to her on behalf of the Council.
The Lord Mayor, on behalf of the Council, expressed condolences to staff member Mr. Christopher Hackett on the sudden passing of his son Diolain on 4th April 2025. The Lord Mayor agreed to write to the Hackett family to convey the Council’s condolences.
The Lord Mayor welcomed back Ms. Sinead Grimes, Director of Property and Projects, to her first meeting of the Council since the passing of her mother.
The Deputy Lord Mayor on behalf of the Council conveyed congratulations to Mr. Rory McIlroy on his winning of the U.S. Masters in Augusta and paid tribute to him for making history by achieving the ‘grand slam’ in world golf. In addition, the Deputy Lord Mayor congratulated Bangor Football Club on winning the Northern Ireland Football League Championship and referred specifically the role played by Councillor Bradley Ferguson as a key member of the team’s backroom staff.
Councillor Groogan congratulated the Golden Thread Gallery in Queen Street on being shortlisted as one of the five finalists in the 2025 Art Fund Museum of the Year and wished them well in the final.
Councillor Long congratulated Mr. Mark Carney on his victory in the recent Canadian general election and requested that the Lord Mayor write to Mr. Carney to congratulate him and invite him to visit the City of Belfast during his time in office. The Lord Mayor acceded to the request.
The High Sheriff (Councillor McAteer) congratulated the Council on being awarded ‘Ambassador Status’ under the Belfast Business Promise initiative and thanked Members and officers for the work which had been undertaken in achieving the award.
Alderman Lawlor referred to the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which would occur on 8th May. He paid tribute and expressed gratitude to all those who had served in the armed forces for their dedication and sacrifice during World War II. Councillor McDowell echoed the sentiments expressed by Alderman Lawlor and paid tribute to those former members of the services known affectionately as the ’Golden Generation’.
Councillor Ferguson thanked the Deputy Lord Mayor for hosting an event for the Simon Community the previous evening. He congratulated Cregagh Wanderers Football Club on winning the Cochrane Corry Cup when they defeated Clonduff in the final. In addition, Councillor Ferguson referred to the recent retirement of Mr. Terry Hayes, who had completed 50 years’ service with Linfield Football Club, as both a player and medical staff team member. In response to a request by Councillor Ferguson, the Lord Mayor agreed to write to both Cregagh Wanderers and Mr. Hayes to congratulate them on their achievements.
Councillor Abernethy, in the absence of Councillor Maghie, congratulated CIYMS Ladies Hockey Team on their recent victory in the Irish Challenge Cup and on their achievement in bringing the cup back to Belfast for the first time in 22 years.
Councillor McCallin reminded the Council that the date of the meeting coincided with the ‘12 Days of M.E.’ campaign, which was part of M.E. Awareness Week, observed annually in May. She thanked those officers and Members who had assisted in promoting the campaign prior to the meeting. Councillor R. Brooks concurred with the comments of Councillor McCallin.
Alderman Rodgers wished good luck to both Dungannon Swifts F.C. and, in particular, to Cliftonville F.C., who were representing Belfast, in the Irish Cup Final at Windsor Park on Saturday, 4th May.
Councillor S. Douglas congratulated Bloomfield Football Club’s Under-9’s team in their recent league and cup double and paid tribute to the team’s promising young goalkeeper, Thomas Douglas esquire.
Councillor R. Brooks pointed out that Saturday, 10th May, was Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Awareness Day. She outlined how the day sought to increase understanding and promote early diagnosis of the rare condition. She referred particularly to her constituent, Ms. Andrea Poxon, who lived with the condition, and paid tribute to both Andrea and her family for their strength and resilience.
Alderman D. McCullough, on behalf of the Council, expressed best wishes for a speedy recovery to Mr. Jay Millar of Jay’s Barber Club in Seaview Street, who had been taken ill over the previous weekend. The Council concurred with the sentiments expressed.