Councillor Dermot Curran from Ardglass has been honoured by the local council he now serves on in recognition of serving 45 years in public service.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council has paid tribute to SDLP Councillor Dermot Curran who is Northern Ireland’s longest serving elected representative, having first been elected to Down District Council in 1973.
The event to mark his outstanding service was held in The Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch, on Friday 18 January 2019 where some 100 invited guests from local, regional, national government and non-governmental organisations came together to celebrate Councillor Curran’s achievements.
Councillor Mark Murnin, Chairman of Newry Mourne and Down District Council said: “Dermot Curran has been dedicated to public service since his very first election as councillor to the then Down District Council. Not only did he serve two terms as Chairman, in 1986/87 and 2011/12, he continued to serve on the new Newry Mourne and Down District Council, with his election in 2014.
“Our council has been fortunate to have many hard working and exemplary Councillors who strive to make this district a better place to live and work in, and no-one demonstrates this more clearly than Dermot. During his first term as Chairman of Council, Dermot had the vision to work with councils across Ireland to develop relationships and encourage co-operative projects.
“In 2004, Dermot established the Dermot Curran Young Achiever Award which was designed to acknowledge and encourage outstanding young people who have contributed to the economic development of Down district.
“We are not the only body to recognise the contribution that Dermot has made to our district. In 2009 Dermot was judged the winner of the Local Government Awards Best Initiative by a Councillor and just last year was presented with the National Association of Councillors Long Service Award.
“I am proud to be Dermot’s colleague and friend and look forward to working with him for many years to come.”
Speaking at the celebratory event, Liam Hannaway, Chief Executive of Newry Mourne and Down District Council also commended Councillor Curran’s many years of service, and said: “Not only has Councillor Curran devoted his life to serving the people of our area, he has also been active as an executive member of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association since its inception. He is currently the President of NILGA and has previously served as Chair for the 2014/15 year.
“Among his many other responsibilities, Councillor Curran has held positions in the Safety Partnership, the South Eastern South Eastern Health Local Commissioning Group, Down Rural Area Partnership, Peace IV Partnership, Partnership Panel for NI, ARC21, National Association of Councillors, FLAG Fisheries Fund and Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme. Councillor Curran has also been a member of the Eastern Group Environmental Health since it was established and was the Chair in both 1987 and 2010.
“At the same time, Councillor Curran has focussed his attention on improving the infrastructure and economic possibilities within the district. He led the Tri-Fisheries Working Group and, as part of this, was instrumental in securing funding for a major environmental improvement scheme in Downpatrick and has campaigned for a much needed hotel in Downpatrick.
“We often do not take the time to recognise the important work that the Council and Councillors do, year in and year out. I am pleased that we have been able to do so today.”
Hosts and guests enjoyed superb musical performances by Geraldine O’Doherty, Principal Harpist with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and founding member of the ensemble ‘Triocca’ and violinist Joanne Quigley McParland, founder and Director of Newry Chamber Orchestra and a principal player with the English Chamber Orchestra, the BBC Philharmonic and Sir John Eliot Gardiner’s Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique.
The evening concluded with Councillor Curran being presented with a watercolour painting, entitled ‘A Clear Day at Ballyhornan’ by local artist James G. Miles and a portrait by Crossgar artist Leo Casement.
Check out Images from the Reception at: Down News Facebook
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Dermot Curran Comments on Being Honoured
In addressing councillors, council officials and guests, C0uncillor Curran said: “I am truly humbled by your kind and gracious comments.
“They say a year is a long time in politics. What about 45 of them!
“Little did I know back in 1973 in those early discussions with the late Eddie McGrady what I was getting myself into, but here I am today, four and a half decades on and I still wouldn’t change the decision I made, despite the many trials, tribulations and challenges.
“Even in our darkest days, when it was a dangerous and difficult time for councillors and their families, as many of you will know, you just got on with the job helping people. As a person I believe in sitting down and working out our problems together, as a team, whatever our differences and as a politician I see local economic development as being the most important and most powerful thing that will sustain our communities, our High Streets, and our young people.
“So over 45 years, with the help of many people in this room, I’ve maintained my political philosophy. To do what you are elected to do, when people need your help and support. If I can help, I will.
“We are of course in very different times to 1973. While thankfully those darker days are now gone, community service is still at the heart of what we all do as councillors. Serving the public has been a huge part of my life for the past 45 years. While I’m an elected SDLP councillor, and proud to be such, anyone who knows Dermot Curran knows that I’ve never shied away from working with all political parties in serving our entire community and I’ll continue to do so, for as long as the people of Newry Mourne & Down give me that mandate.
“In 1986, as Chairman of Down District Council, I was privileged to lead the first delegation of cross-party councillors and council officials for the rebuilding of the new Downe hospital – an achievement I’m particularly proud of. Much later, I was pleased to fulfil another ambition, namely improving opportunities for young people.
“I was honoured that in recognition of my 30 years’ service, the then Chief Executive of Down District Council, John McGrillen, established the Dermot Curran Young Achiever Awards.
“The Awards ran from 2004 to 2015 and saw many young people receive recognition for developing business ideas. These included Katrina Kielty who now employs 10 people in Wrap and Roll, Chris Clarke in AJC Newcastle who has expanded his workforce to 30 and Alternative Heat Castlewellan who has since, won a best export company award. ”
Cllr Curran expalined that all of these companies, and a lot more, have gone on to create many employment opportunities within the district. He said: “As part of this success, I was delighted to be recognised in the 2009 Northern Ireland Local Government Awards for best initiative by a Councillor.
“In addition to my service to the people of Down District Council and latterly Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, I’ve also been appointed to serve local government as a NILGA Executive member since it was established in 2001. I am the current President and Party Office Bearer. Bringing together parties, councillors, councils and officers and sharing best practice, learning, communication, lobbying and the championing of local government is at the heart of what NILGA does.
“This has never been so important than today and in 2019, with the challenges we now face. Being a single, strong, credible and passionate voice for local government has inspired me as it shows what we can achieve, together.
“I’ve learnt a lot throughout these years and I would like to thank past and present councillors, officers and staff for all their assistance and support, even the odd Permanent Secretary and Minister! I would also like to thank the local press, who have always assisted in helping to promote and communicate many of my initiatives, many of them involving the support of local fishermen and the fishing industry and job creation in our district.
“I feel very privileged to have been able to work for the people in this district and I would especially like to thank all the people who over the last 45 years kept coming out and voting for me – a very special thank you all. Times are different in our new council, they are exciting but very challenging.
“We’ve been here before it’s just the challenges that are different. I look forward to working with you all in contributing to the great future we have ahead for the people of Newry Mourne and Down District Council.
“I could not have served the people of Down for the past 45 years without the unswerving support of my family and friends. Karen, my wife has been by my side through thick and thin and without her support, I simply couldn’t have done it.
“I would like to say thanks to the Chairman Cllr Mark Murnin and the Chief Executive Liam Hannaway for creating this special night and thank you all for your comments this evening and here’s to local councils, local people, and the communities we so proudly represent.”
