David and James honoured

The Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor George Duddy with David McClartys wife Norma, children Alan, Colin, Niamh and grandchild Erin at the dedication ceremony at Coleraine Town Hall.

Council has revealed that it is renaming its Members Suite and a stage performance area at Coleraine Town Hall in their honour.

In a tribute to the late David McClarty MLA and three times Coleraine DUP mayor,alderman James McClure, Council invited the families of the two men and their fellow councillors to a special plaque unveiling.

Councillors, family and friends attended a dedication event in Coleraine Borough Council’s Civic Headquarters.

The Mayor of Coleraine, councillor George Duddy was joined by the families of alderman McClure and councillor McClarty.

The mayor told The Coleraine Times: “Coleraine Borough Council thought it important to have a recognition to the legacy of these two men.

“After consideration it was decided that a fitting tribute would be to rename two of Council’s most valued areas to their memory.

“Councillor David McClarty MLA, was of course known for his love of the stage, in honour of his work as both a councillor and his love of acting, the stage at Coleraine Town Hall will now bear a plaque inscribed with a tribute:

“ ‘This performance area is dedicated to councillor David McClarty MLA who wholeheartedly served this community both on and off the stage’, now resides at the stage area of Town Hall.”

The may0r was also delighted that Council was honouring his friend and former party chairman.

He said: “Alderman James McClure, was our longest serving member of Council, having served Coleraine Borough Council from 1977.

“In honour of his dedication to the Borough, Coleraine Borough Council’s, ‘Members’ Suite’ has now been renamed, ‘The James McClure Suite’, in his honour.

“A plaque inscribed with the following tribute has now been placed: ‘This room is named in memory of the selfless commitment Councillor James McClure gave to all citizens of this Borough.

“‘Councillor McClure served the Borough of Coleraine from 1977 until his passing in 2014.

“He held the offices of Mayor three times, Deputy Mayor eleven times and served as an Alderman since his election to Council in 1977’ has been installed in Council Chamber in his honour.”

The Provincial Players were thrilled to be the first group to perform their pantomime, Cinderlla.

The Group said: “We as a club are proud to be the first group to perform on the newly named David McClarty stage. A true gentleman and great friend to all drama groups in the Triangle area and further afield.”