Killaloe Municipal District hosted a Civic Reception in its district offices in Scarriff, Co Clare to honour the Mayor of Derry and District of Strabane, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, for her tireless work in raising awareness on racial inequality, migration, women’s health and housing.
The Elected Members of Killaloe MD wished to confer this civic reception on Cllr Seenoi-Barr in recognition of the continuation of North-South political, socio-economic and tourism co-operation evident in the Municipal District of Killaloe.
This includes the presence of the regional office of Waterways Ireland in Scarriff and tourism initiatives on Lough Derg, the River Shannon, Lough Erne and the Ulster Canal navigation system, as well as the cultural and social ties between the communities of Killaloe MD and Derry and the District of Strabane.
The Civic Reception was held in the Killaloe Municipal District Offices in Scarriff and was attended by Elected Members, Clare County Council staff and other guests.
This marked the first occasion on which a Municipal District in County Clare hosted a Civic Reception.
It was the express wish of the Elected Members of Killaloe MD that Cllr Seenoi-Barr should be the first person to receive such an honour.
Cathaoirleach of Killaloe Municipal District, Councillor Joe Cooney, said: “Lilian’s early life was shaped by the challenges and inequities she observed in her Maasai community, sparking a passion for advocacy that would guide her life’s work. In her late twenties, Lilian migrated to Derry, where she quickly became an influential figure in local politics and community activism.
“Her work continues to inspire and empower individuals and communities, making her a formidable force for positive change.
“Through her tireless efforts, Cllr Seenoi-Barr has demonstrated the profound impact that dedicated activism and compassionate leadership can have on society.”.
Councillor Pat Burke added: “Our June AGM was our first meeting as a newly elected group of representatives of East Clare on the shores of Lough Derg and the river Shannon, which is connected with our waterway to Northern Ireland.
“In that meeting, we as Members wished to highlight and pay due regard to a fellow elected Member in Northern Ireland who had also been elected as Mayor of Derry and the District of Strabane.
“Councillor Seenoi-Barr has played a crucial role in the betterment of society in that regard.”
After the reception, Mayor Seenoi-Barr posted on X.com: “I am deeply honored to the people of County Clare, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Joe Cooney & Killaloe MD for the prestigious honor of hosting the first-ever civic reception in recognition of my work in fighting for gender rights, racial equality, and housing for all.
“What a privilege!”
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