A Christmas message from the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, His Majesty’s personal representative for the County:
“It is fair to say that this year has been nothing other than historic. For the first time ever, we had the privilege of celebrating a Platinum Jubilee, marking the incredible achievement of Her late Majesty The Queen having been on the throne for 70 years. I was so proud to see the whole County come together to mark this historic achievement, with beacon lighting ceremonies and celebrations being held across the County. In particular, I would like to thank all of our Councils: Antrim & Newtownabbey, Causeway Coast & Glens, Lisburn & Castlereagh and Mid & East Antrim for all that they did to coordinate so many of these memorable events.
It was, of course, with deep sadness that, only a few months later, we learned of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. As I said in my Message on Condolence at the time, Her late Majesty will forever be cherished for her sustained and selfless service and deep love of Northern Ireland. As the dust has settled on those difficult few weeks of mourning, I, again, am filled with pride and gratitude for the way that the County conducted itself during that period.
I would like to highlight a few of the varied achievements of the Lieutenancy during 2022 and I take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to all of the Antrim Lieutenancy for their support, much of which takes place behind the scenes:
- Royal Visits: Princess Royal in Ballymena (July), Baron & Baroness Carrickfergus (Oct) and Princess Royal in Carrickfergus (Nov). The LL was also involved in HM The King’s visit to NI, following the death of Her late Majesty.
- 4 new DLs; welcome to Sam, Peter M, Jane & Mark
- 8 Platinum Jubilee Beacon Lighting Ceremonies
- Events held throughout the County to mark the Platinum Jubilee
- 8 of the 13 QAVS awards awarded to NI in 2022
- QAE promotion event for Northern Ireland with Invest NI
- 39 honours awarded to people in Co. Antrim
- 1 OBE and 10 BEMs presented by the LL at Hillsborough Castle
- 35 100th birthdays, one 105th and one 106th
- Two Diamond & two Platinum Wedding Anniversaries
- Co. Antrim attendees at Buckingham Palace & Hillsborough Castle Garden Parties; the Platinum Jubilee Service in St Paul’s and the Princess of Wales’s Carol Service
- Countless trees planted across the County to commemorate the Queen’s Green Canopy
- 19 Remembrance events attended
- A peak social media reach of c.19,000 people around the time HM Queen Elizabeth II died. Growing Lieutenancy followers on Twitter and Instagram.
As we turn our thoughts to next year, we have the Coronation of King Charles III to look forward to on 6th May. It is my hope that the County will, again, take this opportunity to come together to mark another key moment in our history. We will share further information in due course.
In closing, on behalf of HM The King, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of the selfless healthcare workers and emergency services personnel who have kept us safe this year and who will be working over Christmas and New Year. To all the volunteers, charities and local business who have done their bit to help others, I remain inspired by your selflessness and commitment to your communities and I thank you.
I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and all best wishes for the New Year.
God Save The King, Long Live The King“
