Belfast Mayor Calls City to Celebrate Together

By hiyastar.co.uk news desk

Published 1 June 2026

Belfast’s new Lord Mayor has urged residents to help the city present itself at its best during a major summer programme built around Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly was installed as Lord Mayor at Belfast City Hall after the annual general meeting of Belfast City Council, taking over the chain of office from Councillor Tracy Kelly.

Róis-Máire Donnelly takes the chain of office

Councillor Donnelly, a Sinn Féin representative from Ballymurphy, has served the Black Mountain electoral area in west Belfast since May 2023. At 30, she begins her term with a focus on young people, women, community participation and the Irish language.

She said Belfast had a chance to show what residents can “do and achieve together” as visitors arrive for one of Europe’s largest cultural gatherings.

The new Lord Mayor said the Fleadh would provide a platform for the city’s people, diversity, traditions and stories, with benefits expected to reach beyond the event itself. More local civic coverage is available in hiyastar.co.uk’s report on Belfast’s new Lord Mayor.

Fleadh summer puts Belfast communities in focus

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is due to be staged in Belfast in 2026 and again in 2027, giving the city two consecutive summers to build visitor interest and community involvement.

Councillor Donnelly said delivering an event of that size would require a team effort across the city. Her message centred on residents, venues, community groups and cultural organisations working together to welcome visitors and encourage them to explore Belfast beyond the main event spaces.

Young people and Irish language among priorities

Councillor Donnelly said 40% of Belfast’s population is aged 30 or under, and that many pressures facing the city, including cost of living, inclusive growth and climate adaptation, will affect younger residents most directly.

She also said she wanted to support younger women, highlight projects that empower them, and tackle negative behaviours towards women.

The Lord Mayor said Belfast’s Irish language community was growing and should be protected and nurtured alongside other languages in the city.

Councillor Hedley Abernethy, an Alliance representative for Ormiston, was also appointed Deputy Lord Mayor, replacing Councillor Paul Doherty.

Source: Belfast Scraper