Key services are honoured at city ‘freedom’ ceremony
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Volunteers from West Armagh Festival added a splash of colour to proceedings parading their Chinese Dragon during the Freedom of the City Ceremony at the Palace on Saturday.
ARMAGH City and District Council conferred the prestigious honour of Freedom of the City upon Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance and the Order of Malta on Saturday.
As part of the formal conferment, a Council meeting was held in a marquee at the picturesque Palace Demesne. Mayor of Armagh Councillor Noel Sheridan conferred the Freedom on Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance and the Order of Malta, stating: "Today is an auspicious and historic occasion both for Armagh and all of your organisations.
“I am humbled and honoured to be the Mayor of Armagh in office when the Council confers the Freedom of the City and District to such worthy organisations.
“I am delighted that this honour should be going to the key services that have provided a very essential service down through the years.
“Their commendable courage and selfless dedication is an example to all and the accolade that is being bestowed on them today is richly deserved.
“Armagh is a city with a long history and a rich heritage, yet the Freedom has only been conferred by Armagh City and District Council on two previous occasions. That is an indication of just how special an honour it is and it is entirely fitting it should be going to these three organisations."
Upon receiving the Freedom of the City, on behalf of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Mr Liam McIvor, Chief Executive stated: "I would wish to formally record what a great honour and privilege it is for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to have the Award of Freedom presented to us today by Armagh City and District Council."
Representing St John Ambulance, Mrs Brenda Smith, Superintendent for the Armagh Division, said: "The honour bestowed by the Council in the granting of the Freedom of the City and District of Armagh is a tribute to the entire organisation for its commitment to caring for communities and its excellence in provision of ambulance services."
And Fionnuala Kelly, Officer-in-Charge, Order of Malta stated: "This is a great honour to be bestowed on the Unit by the Council in recognition of their work and service to the local community over the past 44 years."
Following the formal proceedings, over 300 people from the city and surrounding areas took part in a celebration event. The sound of laughter and cheers of fun filled the city as the many spectacular events unfolded, including the Chinese Dragon and Drummers Display, BEAT Initiative Drummers, Bollywood Dancers and Beyond Skin Performers, Pure Blarney and the BIZZ Band.
Both the Mayor, Councillor Noel Sheridan, and Armagh Council Clerk and Chief Executive John Briggs wish to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who helped make the day such a tremendous success for the city and district.
