Minutes:
The Lord Mayor, on behalf of the Council, welcomed Councillor Luke Meenehan to his first meeting of the Council since his co-option as the replacement for the former Councillor Maskey. In addition, the Lord Mayor, on behalf of the Council, expressed condolences to Mr. Eunan McConville, Director of Communications, Marketing & External Affairs, on the passing of his mother. Finally, the Lord Mayor expressed condolences to the Royal Family on the death of The Duchess of Kent on 5th September.
The Lord Mayor congratulated the boxer Lewis Crocker on his winning of the International Boxing Federation’s World Welterweight Title, when he defeated Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park on 13th September. The Council agreed that a civic reception be held to mark the achievement of Mr. Crocker.
Alderman McCoubrey paid tribute to Berlin Swifts F.C. on their winning of the McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards Regional Club of the Year 2025, particularly the community-led work and dedication of the club’s chairman, Mr. Jonathan McClelland. He paid tribute also to Mr. Brian Kirker who had been shortlisted for the People’s Award at aforementioned event for his long-standing work with the 22nd Old Boys F.C., particularly his work in community outreach, mental health awareness and cross-community initiatives. At Alderman McCoubrey’s request, the Lord Mayor agreed to write to Mr. McClelland and Mr. Kirker to congratulate them on their achievements.
Alderman McCullough referred to the assassination in Utah on 10th September of the American political activist Mr. Charlie Kirk. At the request of Alderman McCullough, the Lord Mayor agreed to write to the wife and children of Mr. Kirk to express condolences on behalf of the City of Belfast.
Alderman Lawlor referred to the recent events which had taken place in the City to mark the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Irish Guards, particularly a Remembrance event which had taken place at the City Hall Cenotaph on 5th September, and the laying-up of the Regiment’s Colours in St Mark’s, Dundela, on 7th September. He expressed thanks to the Regiment for 125 years of service and commitment.
Alderman D. Douglas congratulated Council employee Mr. Kyle Smith on his winning debut on the undercard of the Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan contest at Windsor Park in September. He wished Mr. Smith every success in his career. In addition, Councillor M. Doherty paid tribute to Mr. S. McComb on his winning of the IBF European super-lightweight title in Sheffield when he had defeated the Welshman, Ben Crocker.
Councillor M. Donnelly referred to Bláthnaid Ní Mhaoilmheanna, a four-year-old child from West Belfast who was battling an aggressive brain tumour. He referred to the significant fundraising effort which was underway to enable her to travel to Germany for specialist immunotherapy treatment and wished Bláthnaid every success as she battled the illness.
Councillor de Faoite welcomed the expansion of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Belfast, whereby the first 75 new-borns registered at the City Hall from 1st October would have the opportunity to avail of the book gifting scheme.
Councillor R. Brooks referred to the recent retirement of Mr. John McConnell, the former City Services Manager (Resources and Fleet) and thanked Mr. McConnell for his service to the Council and valuable assistance to Members over the past number of years. In addition, Councillor Brooks congratulated staff member Mr. Philip Purdie on his achievements with the Irish Senior Golf Team, which had recently won the European Senior Men's Team Championship and the Men’s and Women’s Senior Home International tournament.