Mayor Congratulates Dr Louise Beck, Galgorm Collection and Sporting Heroes

(L-R) Rab McAuley, from Galgorm, who was crowned Ulster Supersport Cup Champion for 2025, GP Dr Louise Beck, of Victoria Surgery, who has been named GP of the Year 2025, and Slemish College student Emilee Leacock, who has been called up for the Northern Ireland Under-17 Women’s Football Squad

Mid and East Antrim Mayor, Councillor Jackson Minford, has congratulated Larne-based GP Dr Louise Beck, of Victoria Surgery, who has been named GP of the Year 2025 by the Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland (RCGPNI).

The annual awards, which are nominated by patients and judged by the RCGPNI Patient Network, celebrate individuals delivering exceptional care in their communities.

“This prestigious award is patient-nominated and celebrates Louise’s exceptional commitment to her patients and community,” the Mayor said.

Speaking at a meeting of the Borough Council at The Braid in Ballymena on Monday evening, the Mayor also extended the Council’s congratulations to the Galgorm Collection following their success at this year’s AA Hospitality Awards, saying the recognition “reaffirms its position as a leader in luxury hospitality.”

Mid and East Antrim Mayor, Councillor Jackson Minford

Galgorm Resort and Spa, outside Ballymena, received AA Five-Star status, The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn was awarded AA Hotel of the Year, and Gillie’s Restaurant at Galgorm earned an AA Rosette for culinary excellence.

“A fantastic achievement for the hotel group which reflects the extensive investment across the portfolio of properties. Over the past 18 months, more than £5 million has been invested at Galgorm, including £2 million in the redevelopment of its award-winning spa and wellness facilities,” the Mayor noted.

Turning to sport, the Mayor congratulated Rab McAuley, from Galgorm, who was crowned Ulster Supersport Cup Champion for 2025. “This is a remarkable achievement considering he only made his short circuit debut in 2024,” he added.

“Congratulations also go to Slemish College student Emilee Leacock, who has been called up for the Northern Ireland Under-17 Women’s Football Squad,” he continued.

Braid Sinn Féin Councillor Archie Rae extended congratulations to Con Magee’s senior hurlers, senior ladies footballers, and Brídíní Óg senior camogie team on their respective victories in the Antrim County Championships, offering them best wishes in their upcoming Ulster competitions.

Larne Lough DUP Alderman Paul Reid requested that a mayoral reception be held for six-time World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea MBE, who is set to retire at the end of the season.

Alderman Reid highlighted Rea’s achievements and strong local links, noting that he is a former pupil of Larne Grammar School. Rea became the first rider in championship history to secure six consecutive world titles, from 2015 to 2020.

Dr Rea was conferred with the Freedom of the Borough of Mid and East Antrim in 2021, and is also a Freeman of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough, an honour bestowed in 2019.

Alderman Reid also suggested the Council engage with Rea about the possibility of hosting a memorabilia exhibition.

“It would be something wonderful for the people of Mid and East Antrim to see one of their own — his leathers, his helmets. There’s something like that in Ballymoney for the late Joey Dunlop, and it would be wonderful for the people of this borough if we could see one of our own and what he has achieved,” he said.