Stakeholder

A few weeks ago, Newry Chamber recognised the legendary retailer Louis Boyd with a life-time achievement award along with two founding directors of the Credit Union, Arthur Morgan and Peter Connolly; who between them clocked up an impressive 94 years of service. These awards were long overdue as was the recognition of Pat Hume -who justly deserved her honorary doctorate awarded by the University of Ulster.

Indeed if the SDLP story is ever written it should be about the partners and families of SDLP politicians who bore the brunt of the political involvement by carrying out the constituency work, licking the stamps, knocking the doors, being attacked in their homes, bullied at school, shot at and times even being murdered just for being there to support those they loved.

In ‘Profiles of Courage’, Gordon Brown included Nelson Mandela, Robert Kennedy, Edith Cavell and Aung San Suu Kyi; all inspiring people who were prepared to endure great sacrifices. My icons and exemplars are much closer to home but are equally inspiring by their remarkable commitment, humility and ordinariness in achieving extraordinary things which have impacted positively on the lives of so many others.

My list is subjective but no less worthy.

Gerry Cosgrove. Gerry is probably one of the longest serving politicos in Northern Ireland. She has worked for the SDLP since 1972 and has lived in West Belfast for her entire life. She holds the post of General Secretary but in the life of that party she is both the glue and the touchstone of SDLP grit. She is an instinctive person; a value much under-rated by the careerist, polling mad test-tube politicians that make up our body politic. Many parties have a Gerry- this one only hugs people.

Monsignor Tom Toner. In an era were priests are vilified many people forget the clerical stalwarts who founded the Gaelic clubs; raised money for fields and charities, built churches and community centre and also found the time to provide spiritual and moral guidance and comfort in times bereavement. Tom Toner is one such priest. He pioneered a shared society through his Cathedral Partnership Initiative with Dean Shearer and stood firm against all forms of violence throughout the Troubles. He provided light when there were no candles.

Sir George Quigley. If the term enlightenment can apply to anyone; it can be applied to George. A true intellectual, George foresaw and led on the area of mutual economic interdependence between the North and South of Ireland. He charted the course for what is known as the Belfast-Dublin Economic corridor and provided leadership when other leaders were shirking from that responsibility.

Richard Moore. Richard is more of a verb than a noun when worn by Richard Moore. His enthusiasm is like a virus and is contagious. Being robbed of his sight at the age of ten by a plastic bullet he has shown more vision than a battery of politicians. He now shares that vision through his Charity Children in Crossfire. In Richard’s world no child will be left behind. Even the Dali Llama says he is a hero.

Rev. David Mc Millan. David is a remarkable Pastor. He ministers at the Baptist Windsor Church in Belfast. Few people can truly communicate a Christian message like this man. If people are made in God’s image this man is a poster-boy-though he would be embarrassed at the thought. His outreach has always demonstrated true compassion.

Pat Jennings. No one mentions Pat’s name without following it up with the word ‘gentleman’. Despite a remarkable football career, Pat remains a humble but exemplar sporting role model. Forget Best- Pat is a legend.

Joe Hendron. Decency and politics are words not often found side by side, particularly these days. Joe remains an icon for anyone seriously interested in serving people by playing a role through politics. He is a self deprecating, compassionate and decent politician. Try finding those words in a contemporary political bio?

Jim Fitzpatrick. If there are unsung heroes of the Troubles – Jim is probably holder of the Legion of Honour. In an unassuming and quiet way he has fostered initiatives both political and civic to bring people together and to build a physical infrastructure fit for them to share, particularly in Belfast.

But for space, I could have added; Eugene Reavey, Joe Hughes, Sr Consielo, Fr Ray Collins, and John Robb. For many others icons of inspiration could be parents, guardians or mentors but anyone who inspires us to be the best we can be –deserves iconic status.