COUNCIL CHIEF GREETS AWARD WITH MIXED EMOTIONS
Council chief greets award with mixed emotions
OMAGH District Council chief executive, Mr. John McKinney said he greeted his award with mixed emotions.
"The pleasure of being awarded an OBE was overshadowed by the tragic circumstances of August 15," he said.
Mr. McKinney went on: "My job on that day, and in the subsequent weeks and months, was made easier by the dedication and support of the community in what were extremely difficult circumstances, and the comfort and encouragement of my family.
"As I look forward to 1999, my thoughts are very much on the renewal of Omagh, and the need for continuing support for all those touched by the events of August 15. My hopes are focused on continuing peace and a new beginning that will provide political stability and a just democracy."
Mr. McKinney has been involved in local government work since 1974, when he joined the technical department of Omagh District Council.
He subsequently became chief finance officer, before moving to Strabane as chief executive in 1986.
Two years later, Mr. McKinney returned to Omagh to succeed Mr. Desmond Mitchell as chief executive.
Mr. McKinney, who is from the Knockmoyle area outside Omagh, and his wife, Anne, have four sons.
Meanwhile, at a special meeting of the council on Monday, members congratulated Mr. McKinney on his award.
Mr. Crawford McFarland said the award was a great honour for the council, and the people of the district.
He said he believed it was the first time an Omagh council official had been honoured in such a way.
Mr. Liam McQuaid, Mr. Vincent Campbell, Mr. Paddy McGowan and Mr. Patsy McMahon all congratulated Mr. McKinney.
Mr. McGowan said he was sure Mr. McKinney received the award on behalf of all the council staff who worked so hard in the aftermath of the bomb.
Mr. Oliver Gibson said the award was well-deserved, and paid tribute to Mr. McKinney's organisational abilities.
Mr. Johnny McLaughlin congratulated Mr. McKinney, and the team which supported him.
Mr. Francis Mackey said it was a tribute to the leadership qualities Mr. McKinney had displayed.
Mr. Joe Byrne said Mr. McKinney had given excellent leadership to the council and district over many years. He said it was well known the council had been to the forefront in community development, and this was largely initiated by Mr. McKinney.
Mr. Seamus Shields said the council could take pride in how it had coped with the aftermath of the bombing.
The vice-chairman, Mr. Allan Rainey, said it was a worthy honour for a very worthy recipient.
OMAGH District Council chief executive, Mr. John McKinney said he greeted his award with mixed emotions.
"The pleasure of being awarded an OBE was overshadowed by the tragic circumstances of August 15," he said.
Mr. McKinney went on: "My job on that day, and in the subsequent weeks and months, was made easier by the dedication and support of the community in what were extremely difficult circumstances, and the comfort and encouragement of my family.
"As I look forward to 1999, my thoughts are very much on the renewal of Omagh, and the need for continuing support for all those touched by the events of August 15. My hopes are focused on continuing peace and a new beginning that will provide political stability and a just democracy."
Mr. McKinney has been involved in local government work since 1974, when he joined the technical department of Omagh District Council.
He subsequently became chief finance officer, before moving to Strabane as chief executive in 1986.
Two years later, Mr. McKinney returned to Omagh to succeed Mr. Desmond Mitchell as chief executive.
Mr. McKinney, who is from the Knockmoyle area outside Omagh, and his wife, Anne, have four sons.
Meanwhile, at a special meeting of the council on Monday, members congratulated Mr. McKinney on his award.
Mr. Crawford McFarland said the award was a great honour for the council, and the people of the district.
He said he believed it was the first time an Omagh council official had been honoured in such a way.
Mr. Liam McQuaid, Mr. Vincent Campbell, Mr. Paddy McGowan and Mr. Patsy McMahon all congratulated Mr. McKinney.
Mr. McGowan said he was sure Mr. McKinney received the award on behalf of all the council staff who worked so hard in the aftermath of the bomb.
Mr. Oliver Gibson said the award was well-deserved, and paid tribute to Mr. McKinney's organisational abilities.
Mr. Johnny McLaughlin congratulated Mr. McKinney, and the team which supported him.
Mr. Francis Mackey said it was a tribute to the leadership qualities Mr. McKinney had displayed.
Mr. Joe Byrne said Mr. McKinney had given excellent leadership to the council and district over many years. He said it was well known the council had been to the forefront in community development, and this was largely initiated by Mr. McKinney.
Mr. Seamus Shields said the council could take pride in how it had coped with the aftermath of the bombing.
The vice-chairman, Mr. Allan Rainey, said it was a worthy honour for a very worthy recipient.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0583
Published Date: 07-Jan-99
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