Their Majesties’ The King and Queen, hosted a special reception at St. James’s Palace on the evening of Tuesday 03 February to honour the vital contributions of individuals working in local government.
The reception brought together those who have shown exceptional commitment to public service, particularly those delivering essential front-line services directly to communities.
The event recognised the role of local government in supporting citizens and communities every day, including areas such as community safety, environmental services, economic development, and wellbeing.
Among the invited guests were two employees from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council – Cathy Devlin (Health Improvement Officer) and Donna O’Connor (Cleansing Driver) – who proudly represented the council at the Royal Reception.
Their invitation reflects the dedication and impact of colleagues across ABC Council who deliver vital services across the borough.
Congratulating Cathy and Donna, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray commented:
“I am immensely proud of Cathy and Donna for representing our council at the Royal Reception hosted by Their Majesties The King and Queen.
“Their invitation is a testament to their decades of dedicated service and the meaningful impact they make every day. Cathy’s commitment to improving community health and Donna’s tireless work enhancing our environment reflect the very best of local government.
“We are grateful for their outstanding contribution to our borough.”
Councillor Billy Webb MBE, NILGA President, stated:
“As NILGA’s President and a serving councillor for almost 30 years, I was delighted to attend the reception alongside local government colleagues from our 11 councils.
“This reception was an opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary people who keep our communities running day in and day out. Local government workers, whether on the frontline or behind the scenes, provide vital services that profoundly shape daily life.
“The individuals who attended represented the very best of public service – dedicated, community-focused, and often working far from the spotlight. This event rightly celebrated their commitment, resilience, and the vital roles they play in supporting local people and communities.”
