Down Lieutenancy
Amanda Blackmore DL attended, on 26th April 2026, the dedication of a memorial in Newtownards commemorating The Royal Irish Constabulary, hosted by the RUC GC Association Newtownards Branch. This is the first memorial to be dedicated to the RIC in the island of Ireland. Two other memorials were dedicated in London, in 1937 and 1939, by the RIC ex-officers association.
The Lord-Lieutenant, Gawn Rowan Hamilton, attended the Remembrance Service in Bangor, Co Down, which was also attended by the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Gillian McCollum. He was accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, Company Sergeant Major Zara Dowell.
Picture Credit: Co Down Spectator
In lovely weather, the Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment played a concert in the grounds of The Castle, City Hall, Bangor, on the evening of Friday 9th May 2025, to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Catherine Champion, attended and is pictured here with the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet Company Sergeant Major Zara Dowell, the Mayor of Ards and North Down Alistair Cathcart, CEO of Ards and North Down Susie McCullough, High Sheriff Pete Leckey, Band Master Richard Douglas, and other VIPs.
Vice Lord-Lieutenant Catherine Champion, DL, after laying the first wreath at the Remembrance Ceremony in Bangor. She is accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet Flight Sergeant Francesca Hamilton.
Picture Credit: Co Down Spectator
The Freedom of Ards and North Down Borough was conferred on Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service on Saturday 12th October at Bangor City Hall. The Lieutenancy was represented by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant Catherine Champion DL.
High Sheriff of Co Down Sue Wild, Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Alistair Cathcart, Vice Lord-Lieutenant Down Catherine Champion, NI Chief Fire Office Aidan Jennings.
