Lisburn council bestows accolade on three of its own

The honour is in recognition of their outstanding service in the community within the City of Lisburn and Northern Ireland.

Aldermen Seamus Close and Ivan Davis and Mr Charlie Poots were elected to the then Lisburn Borough Council in 1973. All three men contributed many years of public service to the Council and to the growth and development of Lisburn over many years, which culminated in Lisburn attaining City Status in 2002.

The Mayor, Councillor Allan Ewart, officiated at the ceremony on Saturday which was held in the Council Chamber at Lagan Valley Island. Current Freemen, Dame Mary Peters and Dr Janet Gray, were in attendance at the ceremony, along with elected members, family and invited guests.

The three men were delighted with the civic honour. Alderman Seamus Close said: "It was a fantastic day from start to finish and I would like to pay tribute to all my Council Colleagues and Officers for ensuring it was such a wonderful occasion. It was a very emotional day and made all the more special by having my wife, my children, my mother and my wider family circle and friends there to share it with me."

Alderman Ivan Davis commented: "I am indebted during my 37 years on the Council to very many people. During those years there have been highs and lows and thankfully the highs vastly outnumber the lows. I would describe the Freedom of the City as the icing on the cake and I deem it a great honour to follow in the footsteps of those distinguished individuals and organisations who have also received this Freedom award."

Mr Charlie Poots added: "It was a huge honour for myself that I fully appreciate Lisburn City Council conferring on the three of us."