3rd May 1921 is a hugely significant date. Northern Ireland was created as a legal entity under the Government of Ireland Act. Today, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of this beautiful country we call home.
Did you know premier league and UEFA Champions League winner Jonny Evans and other footballers Alan McDonald, Billy Hamilton Jimmy Nicholl and Corry Evans all stem from Rathcoole? Not to mention composer and director John Anderson and movie house chain owner Michael McAdam.
Northern Ireland has produced people like the award winning master of the flute James Galway to the best footballer to ever grace a pitch, George Best. Oscar winning actors Kenneth Branagh, Liam Neeson and award winning James Nesbitt to world renowned sports stars Rory Mcilroy, Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins, Carl Frampton, Eddie Irvine and Olympic gold medalist Dame Mary Peters.
From the Titanic and the DeLorean to the mystical Giant’s Causeway and the dark hedges, it is a time to recognise and celebrate the achievements of this small but proud country on a world stage. From our industrial heritage, sporting achievements, great military leaders and fighting spirit to eminent writers and authors through to our rich culture heritage.
So, let’s remember Northern Ireland’s successes over the last 100 years but also leave a legacy that helps to facilitate our young people to build a future and set a vision for the next 100 years.
Here’s to another 100 years.
