Northern Ireland Prison Service awarded Freedom of Causeway Coast and Glens

The Northern Ireland Prison Service has been awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Causeway Coast and Glens, honouring more than a century of public service and remembering the 32 members of the service who lost their lives while serving the community.

The prestigious civic honour was conferred during a special ceremony at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Saturday, attended by Prison Service representatives, members of the Lieutenancy, elected representatives and invited guests.

Established in 1921, the Northern Ireland Prison Service is responsible for maintaining safe and secure prisons, protecting the public and supporting the rehabilitation of people in its care.

The honour has particular significance in Causeway Coast and Glens because of the long-standing presence of Magilligan Prison, which provides employment locally and works with businesses and organisations involved in helping people prepare for their return to society.

‘A tremendous privilege’

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Dawn Huggins described the conferral of the Freedom of the Borough as a recognition of generations of Prison Service staff.

“It is a tremendous privilege to bestow the Freedom of the Borough upon the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

“This honour recognises more than 100 years of dedication and service by staff, past and present across the Prison Service and of course it’s important to highlight the important role Magilligan Prison locally here, plays in our community.

“At this time, we also remember the 32 members of the Prison Service who have lost their lives while working and we thank all those who continue to serve our communities.

“Each day you demonstrate a level of resilience, and a commitment to carrying out your responsibilities with professionalism that is inspiring and we each thank you and are proud to honour your work. You are, indeed, highly deserving recipients of the Freedom of the Borough.”

‘Their legacy remains an enduring part of our history’

Accepting the honour, Northern Ireland Prison Service Director General Beverley Wall said much of the work undertaken by prison staff happens away from public view but has an impact extending well beyond prison walls.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for conferring this prestigious honour on the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

“This recognition is a tribute to the dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment of our staff, both past and present. While much of the work of the Prison Service takes place away from public view, behind prison walls and secure gates, its impact reaches far beyond them, helping to protect the public, support rehabilitation and contribute to safer communities across Northern Ireland.

“This honour belongs to every member of the Prison Service family. It reflects the invaluable contribution they make each day, often in challenging circumstances, and they should take great pride in the role they play in serving our society.”

Ms Wall said she was “immensely proud” of those who serve and have served in the Prison Service.

“Their integrity, resilience, compassion and professionalism are at the heart of everything we do. Through their commitment, they help create opportunities for change, support those in our care and make a lasting contribution to public safety.”

The Director General also paid tribute to the 32 Prison Service members who lost their lives in service to the community.

“As we mark this significant occasion, we also pause to remember the 32 members of our Prison Service family who lost their lives in service to the community.

“We honour their courage, sacrifice and dedication, and we hold their families, friends and loved ones in our thoughts. Their loss is deeply felt, and their legacy remains an enduring part of our history and identity. They will never be forgotten.”

She added:

“It is a privilege to receive the Freedom of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. We accept this honour with gratitude and humility, mindful of those who have served before us, and with a renewed commitment to continue serving the people of Northern Ireland with dedication, integrity and professionalism.”

Tribute to officers killed during the Troubles

East Londonderry TUV candidate and Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Allister Kyle also spoke at the ceremony, paying tribute to prison officers and their families who faced threats and violence during decades of conflict.

“I want to pay tribute today to the men and women of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, who have earned this deserved honour.

“Throughout its history, service in our prisons has placed officers and their families at considerable risk.”

Councillor Kyle recalled a number of officers who were murdered, including Robert Walker in 1942, William McCully in 1974, David Black in 2012 and Adrian Ismay in 2016.

He also remembered Graham Fenton, who was 20 when he was murdered while off duty in Ballymoney.

“My mind also turns to Graham Fenton.

“Graham was only 20 years old, with so much of his life still before him, when he was brutally gunned down while off duty in Ballymoney.”

Councillor Kyle highlighted the impact of violence not only on officers but on their families, recounting the murder of off-duty prison officer Michael Cassidy following his sister’s wedding in April 1979.

“Michael was an off-duty prison officer, a Roman Catholic and a member of the GAA. On 16 April 1979, he attended his sister’s wedding at St Macartan’s Church in Clogher.

“As Michael left the chapel holding the hand of his three-year-old daughter, two IRA gunmen opened fire.

“The bride had just driven away with her new husband. Looking back, she saw her brother lying dead at his wife’s feet.”

Quoting Mr Cassidy’s sister, Councillor Kyle said:

“I knew I would never forget my wedding day, but I didn’t think that it would be because of my brother’s murder.”

He added:

“Those words bring home the terrible price paid not only by prison officers, but by their wives, husbands, children, parents and wider families.

“The Northern Ireland Prison Service has upheld law and order in the face of threats, intimidation and murder. Its officers continued to serve when wearing the uniform made them—and even their families—targets.

“That record of courage, sacrifice and public service is why today’s decision to confer the Freedom of the Borough upon the Northern Ireland Prison Service is so right and so fitting.

“It is an honour richly deserved.”

The Freedom of the Borough now formally marks the Prison Service’s long-standing connection with Causeway Coast and Glens and recognises both its present-day role and generations of staff who have served since its establishment more than a century ago.