Add a listing
    0
    Add a listing
    (L-R) Director of Prisons, David Kennedy; Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick; Lord-Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell KStJ and Cadet; Director General, Beverley Wall pictured at a Commemorative Service held at Ballyclare War Memorial Park.
    (L-R) Director of Prisons, David Kennedy; Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick; Lord-Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell KStJ and Cadet; Director General, Beverley Wall pictured at a Commemorative Service held at Ballyclare War Memorial Park.
    Home » Blog » Northern Ireland Prison Service Honoured with Freedom of the Borough in Antrim and Newtownabbey

    Northern Ireland Prison Service Honoured with Freedom of the Borough in Antrim and Newtownabbey

    Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has officially awarded the Freedom of the Borough to the Northern Ireland Prison Service during a special ceremony at Theatre at The Mill.

    The honour, the highest accolade the Council can bestow, recognises the Prison Service’s long-standing contribution to justice and community safety across Northern Ireland.

    Ceremony at Theatre at The Mill

    Around 150 invited guests attended the event, including Deputy Lieutenant for County Antrim, Pauline Shields OBE, and Director General Beverley Wall.

    The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said the award reflects the dedication and professionalism of officers who serve across the prison estate.

    She described the Prison Service as a “truly deserving recipient” of the prestigious recognition.

    Mayoral Party (L-R) Fr Ciaran Dallat; Director General, Beverley Wall; Deputy Mayor, Councillor Julie Gilmour; Chief Executive, Richard Baker GM; Mayor, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick; Deputy Lieutenant, Mrs Pauline Shields OBE; Director of Prisons, David Kennedy
    Mayoral Party (L-R) Fr Ciaran Dallat; Director General, Beverley Wall; Deputy Mayor, Councillor Julie Gilmour; Chief Executive, Richard Baker GM; Mayor, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick; Deputy Lieutenant, Mrs Pauline Shields OBE; Director of Prisons, David Kennedy

    Recognition from the Justice Minister

    Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed the Council’s decision, praising the work carried out daily behind prison walls.

    She said prisons play a critical role in the justice system by supporting and challenging individuals in custody to change.

    The Minister also highlighted how the work of the Prison Service is often unseen by the wider public but has an impact that reaches every town and community across Northern Ireland.

    Mayor, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick is joined by Director General, Beverley Wall and Chief Executive, Richard Baker GM to sign the Register of Freemen
    Mayor, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick is joined by Director General, Beverley Wall and Chief Executive, Richard Baker GM to sign the Register of Freemen

    A Tribute to Fallen Officers

    Director General Beverley Wall said she was proud of both current and former members of the service.

    She paid tribute to the 32 colleagues who lost their lives while serving the community, acknowledging the ongoing loss experienced by their families.

    The award, she said, recognises the professionalism, integrity and empathy demonstrated by staff throughout the organisation’s history.

    Commemorative Parade in Ballyclare

    The official ceremony followed a commemorative parade earlier in the day in Ballyclare.

    Representatives from the Prison Service marched from Ballyclare Town Hall to Ballyclare War Memorial Park, where a commemorative service was held.

    The parade marked the significance of the occasion and honoured those who have served within the organisation.

    The Northern Ireland Prison Service Guard of Honour and Pipe Band Parade from Ballyclare Town Hall to Ballyclare War Memorial Park to mark the Freedom of the Borough.
    The Northern Ireland Prison Service Guard of Honour and Pipe Band Parade from Ballyclare Town Hall to Ballyclare War Memorial Park to mark the Freedom of the Borough.

    Added to the Roll of Honour

    The Freedom of the Borough is awarded to individuals and organisations who have rendered eminent services to the Borough.

    With this honour, the Northern Ireland Prison Service joins the Council’s Roll of Honourable Freemen alongside former councillors, scientists, business leaders and sporting figures who have made significant contributions to society.

    The award formally recognises the Prison Service’s role in maintaining safety and supporting rehabilitation throughout Northern Ireland.

    The Northern Ireland Prison Service Guard of Honour and Pipe Band Parade from Ballyclare Town Hall to Ballyclare War Memorial Park to mark the Freedom of the Borough.
    The Northern Ireland Prison Service Guard of Honour and Pipe Band Parade from Ballyclare Town Hall to Ballyclare War Memorial Park to mark the Freedom of the Borough.
    The Northern Ireland Prison Service Guard of Honour and Pipe Band Parade from Ballyclare Town Hall to Ballyclare War Memorial Park to mark the Freedom of the Borough.
    The Northern Ireland Prison Service Guard of Honour and Pipe Band Parade from Ballyclare Town Hall to Ballyclare War Memorial Park to mark the Freedom of the Borough.

    More News

    Support Local
    Our Advertisers

    Local Businesses Supporting This Site

    Where To Eat

    Property For Sale | Rent

    Property For Sale