Ald McCaughey and Cllr Lyness bid farewell as Mid and East Antrim welcomes new civic leadership

Outgoing: Democratic Unionist Party Alderman William McCaughey and Sinn Féin Councillor Bréanainn Lyness

Two poignant and deeply personal speeches marked the conclusion of a unique period in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s leadership as outgoing Mayor Alderman William McCaughey and Deputy Mayor Councillor Bréanainn Lyness reflected on their time in office during Monday evening’s Annual General Meeting at The Braid, Ballymena.

As the borough formally welcomed new Mayor Councillor Jackson Minford (Ulster Unionist Party) and Deputy Mayor Councillor Tyler Hoey (Democratic Unionist Party), the contributions and legacy of the outgoing civic leaders took centre stage.

Alderman McCaughey: “Pride in our borough and reflection on all the good”

Democratic Unionist Party Alderman William McCaughey

Alderman McCaughey delivered an expansive and heartfelt summary of his second mayoral term, which he assumed following the passing of Alderman Beth Adger MBE. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve once more, he said:

“It has once again been an honour, to serve as your Mayor… following in the footsteps of our friend and colleague Alderman Beth Adger MBE.”

Alderman McCaughey praised the borough’s community groups, volunteers and businesses for their resilience and innovation, recalling a wide range of engagements:

“Meeting and supporting our amazing community and voluntary groups, and witnessing first-hand our innovative businesses at work.”

In a moment of warmth and humour, he recalled the varied nature of his duties:

“Whether that involved finding shelter at the back of a stone dyke to enjoy my jam butty… or accompanying me around the decadent Westminster Parliament buildings, with lunch at a Thames-side café.”

He paid special tribute to council staff and officers for their professionalism and “approachability”, singling out his driver Steve as “an invaluable companion”, always prepared with the mayoral chain, speeches and glasses:

“Please keep up the truly excellent work… even though there are days that it may not seem like it, it is very much appreciated throughout the Borough.”

Reflecting on the chamber’s progress, he noted an improved atmosphere since his last term as Mayor:

“To see and feel the visible difference within this chamber… fills me with much hope for the future.”

McCaughey closed with a reaffirmation of the borough’s community plan, which centres on “Putting People First”:

“It’s a vision… to be a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive community, where people work together to improve the quality of life for all.”

He also acknowledged the continuation of fundraising efforts for Beth Adger’s chosen charities—Air Ambulance NI and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust—thanking all who contributed:

“This funding will help support the vital work they undertake in our local communities.”

Cllr Bréanainn Lyness: “Mutual respect and standing against discrimination”

Sinn Féin Councillor Bréanainn Lyness

Councillor Bréanainn Lyness offered an equally personal address, opening in Irish and paying tribute to Alderman Adger:

“When I was first selected for this role… Beth quickly made me feel welcome, and for that, I will always be grateful.”

As the first Irish republican and nationalist Deputy Mayor in the borough’s history, Lyness used his speech to reflect on the importance of cross-community engagement, stating:

“To me, it’s about mutual respect—about embracing religious and cultural differences while promoting and holding firm to our own identity… while also standing against discrimination in all its forms.”

He noted the value of shared experiences, pointing out that cultural differences are often bridged by common ground:

“We all celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—each in our own way… Even the melodies of a lot of our songs are the same, yet with very different words.”

Recalling a touching moment during the Christmas season, Lyness remarked:

“When I did [turn on the Christmas lights], the first two people to reach out to me were Beth and a Free Presbyterian minister. That speaks volumes.”

He also highlighted his advocacy work abroad, representing Mid and East Antrim in the US to promote Gracehill’s UNESCO World Heritage bid, and his engagement with minority communities at home:

“We must listen to everyone including the host nation, to ensure that everyone’s voices are heard and limit exclusionary nationalism.”

Lyness made a strong call for a new political ethos in Northern Ireland:

“We must move away from the old politics of ‘tit for tat’—where one community’s gain is seen as another’s loss… That approach serves no one.”

He was open about his own aspiration for a united Ireland but made it clear that inclusion is key:

“The orange is, and always will be, a vital thread in the tapestry of Irish history and identity… like the shamrock—different leaves, yet all part of the same stem.”

In a particularly reflective note, he addressed the irony and strength of working alongside a DUP Mayor:

“I couldn’t have done any of it without the support of a DUP Mayor… Now, I bet some of you never thought you’d hear a Sinn Féin Deputy Mayor express gratitude for having a DUP Mayor—but there you go!”

He closed with a poignant poem, once recited by his grandfather:

“As you are now so once was I,

as I am now so you will be,

so be prepared to follow me.”

New Chapter Begins

Incoming: Mayor, Councillor Jackson Minford (Ulster Unionist Party, and Deputy Mayor Councillor Tyler Hoey (Democratic Unionist Party)

The AGM concluded with the formal appointment of Councillor Jackson Minford as Mayor and Councillor Tyler Hoey as Deputy Mayor for the 2025–26 civic year.

Council members and officers paid tribute to the departing officeholders, commending their contributions to civic unity, diversity and public service across the borough. The new leadership begins its term at a time of evolving political cooperation and growing emphasis on inclusion and community development.