Club recognises Leading Citizens

Reflecting Rotary's motto Service above Self and in recognition of their outstanding commitment to the community, The Rotary Club of Belfast Monday 06 October bestowed Paul Harris Fellowships on former Lord Mayor Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir and Baroness May Blood MBE at a reception hosted by Lord Mayor Councillor Nichola Mallon.

This prestigious award is Rotary's highest honour for individuals who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service, with an emphasis on personal efforts and active involvement in helping others.

20 members attended and with stylish ease the Lord Mayor talked to each group before formerly welcoming all to the City Hall. She stated she greatly admired what Rotary does and noted that her focus of unsung heroes quietly doing selfless work sums up Rotary and that with these presentations unsung heroes were recognising other unsung heroes. President Ronnie thanked the Lord Mayor for hosting the Club and stated that The Rotary Club of Belfast were delighted to recognise 2 extraordinary people who had done extraordinary things.

Announcing the Fellowships, he said: "The Rotary Club of Belfast are delighted to recognise 2 extraordinary people for quietly doing extraordinary things for the citizens of Belfast."

The citation for Baroness May Blood was made by Waiter Rader who highlighted her work and achievements culminating in her being the first woman in NI to be elevated to the House of Lords. Noting she was the peoples' ambassador committed to support people to be their best he presented her with her Fellowship.

The citation for Councillor Mairtin O'Muilleoir was made by PP Ken Morrison who, having given a brief outline of the Paul Harris Fellowship Awards, highlighted Mairtin has built bridges between communities and has done an incredible amount for cross community relations noting in particular his attendance as Lord Mayor at the Remembrance Wreath Service. Thanking him for his community involvement and support to the Club during his year as Lord Mayor he presented him with his Fellowship.

Both recipients thanked the Club for their great honour and paid tribute to the work of Rotary serving the margins of society.