Northern Ireland centenary beacon lit at Fisherman’s Quay

Northern Ireland’s centenary celebrations have taken root in Carrickfergus with a tree planting ceremony and the lighting of a beacon.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th May 2021, 18:39 BST
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The sapling at Delaney’s Green was one of three to be placed in green spaces across Mid and East Antrim, including Larne Town Park and The People’s Park, Ballymena.

A number of council representatives attended the event, along with the Deputy Lieutenant for Co Antrim, Jacqueline Stewart MBE.

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A beacon was also lit on Monday evening, May 3, at Fisherman’s Quay in the town by the Mayor and Mayoress of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston and Tory Johnston.

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Mayor and Mayoress of Mid and East Antrim, Peter and Tory Johnston, pictured as the beacon was lit at Fisherman's Quay in Carrickfergus for the NI centenary.Mayor and Mayoress of Mid and East Antrim, Peter and Tory Johnston, pictured as the beacon was lit at Fisherman's Quay in Carrickfergus for the NI centenary.
Mayor and Mayoress of Mid and East Antrim, Peter and Tory Johnston, pictured as the beacon was lit at Fisherman's Quay in Carrickfergus for the NI centenary.

Similar beacons were placed at The Braid town hall in Ballymena and Chaine Memorial Tower, Larne.

The ceremonies were part of a wider programme of events organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to mark the 100 years since Northern Ireland was created as a separate legal entity.

The Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, said: “A century ago, the people of Mid and East Antrim witnessed the establishment of Northern Ireland as a result of the Government of Ireland Act 1920.

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“To contribute to that history, we have planted a tree in each of our three main towns to mark this momentous occasion.

The Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston, planted a tree at Delaney's Green in Carrick, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, included are council colleagues and Deputy Lieutenant for Co Antrim Jacqueline Stewart MBE.The Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston, planted a tree at Delaney's Green in Carrick, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, included are council colleagues and Deputy Lieutenant for Co Antrim Jacqueline Stewart MBE.
The Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston, planted a tree at Delaney's Green in Carrick, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, included are council colleagues and Deputy Lieutenant for Co Antrim Jacqueline Stewart MBE.

“This will be a living and lasting legacy of this centenary year here in Mid and East Antrim.

“As we look back to the roots of Northern Ireland 100 years ago, we look forward to the growth of this tree and earnestly hope that it will symbolise our borough as a place of continued growth, development and prosperity.”

The first citizen continued : “There will be a number of opportunities throughout 2021 to mark the centenary year and I would like to take this opportunity to thank council’s Northern Ireland Centenary Working Group for spearheading this programme.”

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Click here to read: Funding available for NI Centenary celebrations across Mid and East Antrim

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Related topics:Northern IrelandCarrickfergus