Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Mayor's Christmas Message

Published: 19 December, 2008

Mayor's Christmas Message -

(Ar Aghaidh le Chéile - Moving Forward Together)

When I first became Mayor of Newry and Mourne I stated that I would be committed to working to deliver as best as practically possible for all of our communities, for citizens, and in particular for the most disadvantaged in our society. This is still my priority and while the challenges of change and progress are many, ar aghaidh le chéile, (moving forward together) we will continue to face them.

I am very proud to be the Mayor of Newry and Mourne, and in that role I have been graciously received and welcomed by all sections of our community. We can be justly proud of the many vibrant, committed and dedicated sections of our society that day after day work to help improve the quality of their communities' lives.

Christmas is a time for reflecting on both the happy and sad times that have been experienced. The sudden death of former Mayor Michael Cole was a cruel blow to his family and those of us who knew and valued him. There have been many such occasions of sudden death and loss throughout our district this year and those families who are still trying to cope with such loss are in our thoughts and prayers especially at this time of year.

As we look to the coming year we must be mindful that the challenges of change and progress are many, and ar aghaidh le chéile, (moving forward together), we will face them and together, (le chéile) we will work to build safer, healthier, happier and prosperous communities

Finally I would like to wish each and everyone of you a happy and prosperous 2009 and merry Christmas to you all -(I ndeireadh na dála ba mhaith liom gach rath agus bláth a ghuí oraibh uilig don bhliain 2009 agus Nollaig Shona daoibh.)