Limavady might be about to get sucked into a 21st Century Greater Ballymoney Council, but here at the Guildhall tower we still take an interest on goings on along the banks of the Roe.

Leim an Mhadaigh has had its fair share of bad press in recent times, particularly with a spate of arson attacks.  So it was pleasant to turn on Radio Foyle this morning to hear SDLP Councillor Mickey Coyle is proposing two clergy men, Rev. David Armstrong and Fr Kevin Mullan, for freedom of the borough.

Back in darker days, Rev. Armstrong was effectively hounded out of the town when a Presbyterian minister there.  His offence was to offer support to Fr Mullan and his parishoners after the Catholic Christ the King church there was damaged in a attack by loyalists, and they attended each other’s services on Christmas Day 1984.

Rev. David Armstrong

Rev. Armstrong recently spoke out in the Derry Journal against the objections by some in the town to the provision of gaelic games at Limavady High School.  Now an Anglican minister in Carrigaline, Co. Cork, his enlightened view on that topic is one that will hopefully be emulated by more in the North West town.

Fr Mullan of course came to prominence worldwide in the horrendous circumstances of the Omagh bomb.

NBNW will keep an eye out for the special council meeting which will take place in about 10 days time.  It has never been granted before – and what better first occassion than to recognise the trail blazed by these two leaders? Hopefully this will be a catalyst for better relations in Keenaght. Ta suil agam go mbeidh tacaiocht don run seo o gach pairti.