Mayor leads tributes to four respected figures with links to Mid and East Antrim
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Tom Gordon
The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Tom Gordon, has led tributes to four respected figures with connections to communities across the borough who died recently.
Speaking at a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council at The Braid in Ballymena earlier this week, the mayor paid tribute to Janetta Scott, Joe Carmichael, Liam Kelly and award-winning Ballymena journalist and author Stephen Walker.
Ald Gordon offered condolences to their families and friends before asking councillors to stand and observe a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.
Tribute to Janetta Scott
Ald Gordon said:
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Janetta Scott, Ballycarry, who had a career in education, including as vice-principal of Larne Technical College.
“She was an active member of and was treasurer of Ballycarry and District Community Association in former years and highly respected in the local community.
“My condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time.”
Joe Carmichael remembered
The mayor also paid tribute to Joe Carmichael, chairman of Carrickfergus Royal British Legion, who had served in the Ulster Defence Regiment in his younger days.
Ald Gordon said:
“I was also saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Carmichael, chairman of Carrickfergus Royal British Legion and who served in the Ulster Defence Regiment in his younger days.
“He will be much missed by the veterans’ community in Carrickfergus. My condolences on behalf of council are extended to his family and friends at this sad time.”
Historian Liam Kelly’s contribution to Larne
Ald Gordon continued:
“On behalf of myself as mayor, council and staff of Larne Museum and Arts Centre, we were very sorry to hear of the passing of local historian Liam Kelly whose invaluable advice, knowledge and support will be missed.
“Liam had been president of Larne and District Folklore Society which was formed in 1968. He was also a member of Larne and District Historical Centre Committee which was formed in 1971 to further the aim of developing a local museum in the town. The centre, now Larne Museum and Arts Centre, was handed over to the care of Larne Borough Council in 2003.
“The committee became Larne and District Historical Society. Although the society no longer exists, Larne Museum staff are grateful for the continued support of its former members. Liam continued to support the museum by providing talks, assisting with historical walks, supporting various events and exhibitions.”
Stephen Walker remembered
Concluding his remarks, the mayor paid tribute to award-winning journalist and author Stephen Walker, who was from Ballymena and had a distinguished career with BBC Northern Ireland.
Ald Gordon said:
“Sadly over the weekend, we have heard of the passing of Stephen Walker, the award-winning journalist and author from Ballymena. Stephen was a former BBC Northern Ireland political correspondent who wrote five books, including biographies of two of the key players in the Northern Ireland peace process, John Hume and David Trimble.
“On behalf of council, we send our heartfelt condolences to his previous colleagues, friends and family.”
Councillors then stood together in the chamber to observe a minute’s silence in memory of those who had died.
