Dermot Curran awarded Dan McAreavy Trophy
The SDLP has awarded the Dan McAreavy Trophy to Dermot Curran in recognition of his long service to the party and his constituents.
He was awarded the trophy, given annually to the party member who has made a significant contribution, at the SDLP Conference in Derry on Friday night.
Councillor Curran is the North’s longest serving elected representative, having first been elected to the old Down District Council in 1973 and serving on the new super council, Newry Mourne and Down District Council. He will retire ahead of the local government election in May.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP said: “I’m delighted that we had the opportunity to recognise the huge contribution Dermot Curran has made not just to our party, but to his local community over the past 50 years.
“He represented our party throughout some extremely dark days in the history of this place, but his values and his views never wavered and he has been a constant for almost as long as the SDLP has been in existence.
“Dermot Curran’s political career, like the man himself, has been remarkable. His longevity in politics is a testament to his determination to work on behalf of his local community and during that time he racked up a long list of achievements that would be the envy of many politicians.
“Dermot is SDLP to his very core and has made an outstanding contribution to our party over the years.
“He has always espoused SDLP values, being particularly known for his willingness to work with other parties and on a cross-community basis in the best interests of people in Downpatrick and Down.
“Dermot Curran should be incredibly proud of all that he has achieved throughout his career.
“It is rare that somebody comes along with such a sincere dedication to public service and given the changing nature of our political landscape we may never see his like again.
“I hope Dermot enjoys his retirement with wife Karen and the family and he will always have a special place within the SDLP.”
