News

Mayor visits local Olympic Games qualifier

20 June 2024

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Barr paid a visit to Newtownstewart recently to meet local boxing star and Olympic Games qualifier, Jude Gallagher and to wish him well in this Summer’s Olympic Games. 

Jude took some time off from his busy training schedule to meet with Mayor Barr and to discuss his hopes as he gets ready for the Olympics in Paris in July and August.  Jude also took the opportunity to show the Mayor around the Two Castles Athletic Boxing Club where she met with other club members.  The Mayor presented the local Olympian with a plaque marking his achievements and qualification in this prestigious sporting event. 

This was the Mayor’s first official visit to Newtownstewart and while she was in the town she took the opportunity to take a tour along the town centre with Jude and his father and trainer, John Gallagher.  During the tour, John provided an overview of Newtownstewart, highlighting its many built heritage features including the historic castle located along Main Street as well as the town’s conservation area and vibrant commercial offering. 

The Mayor was also briefed on the work recently completed by Council in the town centre to paint the commercial facades as well as the ongoing liaison taking place between Council and local business, heritage and community stakeholders in relation to the current and future regeneration priorities for Newtownstewart. 

Mayor Barr explained  “I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit Newtownstewart and to meet our local Olympic Games qualifier Jude Gallagher.  It is such a fantastic achievement for Jude to qualify for this prestigious global sporting event, and it was great to see so many people come out to support Jude.  It was great also to have the opportunity to visit this important heritage town in our District and to see the results of the recent investment by Council amounting to £750k across a range of projects including the commercial façade painting scheme, resurfacing and environmental improvements at the Town Hall St Car Park and the pathway upgrades at Vaughans Holm”.

The Mayor added “I wish Jude all the very best in the Olympic Games and look forward to following his games over the summer”.