North Down has a long history of supporting Gaelic Football, with St Paul’s – based in Holywood – founded in 1979, but Mayor Muir’s visit on Saturday, November 16, marked the first time a Mayor had attended the club’s official Annual Awards Ceremony.
Crediting St Paul’s as a ‘significant milestone’ in the development of Gaelic Football across North Down and Ards, Mayor Muir also paid tribute to the commitment of the many dedicated volunteers working hard to keep the club going.
Mayor Andrew Muir said: “I was honoured to attend St Paul’s Gaelic Athletic Club Annual Dinner and Awards Night and to show my support for the sport at a local level I presented the club with a special gift.
“The success of this club would not be possible without the many dedicated volunteers, working day and night to keep the clubs going, or the role of players, whether young or old, and I want to commend St Paul’s as a positive beacon of hope and positivity within the Borough.
“Gaelic sport plays a large part in our society and as we work together as one to build a truly shared inclusive society it is important to celebrate our diverse culture and sporting achievements. I am determined to make a positive difference, reaching out and including all sections of our society.
“As part of this drive I will be delighted to welcome the Under 16 Gaelic Football team to the Town Hall early next year to celebrate their fantastic achievement, recently winning Down Division 2 title.”