Mayor welcomes new chief executive of The Honorable The Irish Society

Mr Farrell will take over the reins from Edward Montgomery, who is set to retire next month after 28 years in the role.

The Society is a grant-giving charity working for the benefit of Co Londonderry and neighbouring areas. It also manages property and fishing for the benefit of the local area.

Mr Farrell is currently Chief Executive of Relate NI, the largest provider of relationship support in Northern Ireland and also serves as a Commissioner of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and as trustee and treasurer of the Children’s Law Centre.

He was previously Charity Director of Age NI, having served in other leadership roles in the organisation (and with Help the Aged prior to the merger), and was also Director of the Rainbow Project. He holds a number of qualifications from the Dublin Institute of Technology, Ulster University, and the Institute of Leadership & Management.

Following the special reception, which was also attended by a number of Elected Members from several political parties, Cllr Callaghan said: “Mr Farrell brings a wealth of experience to this role, having worked with people from many different communities and backgrounds.

“I wish him well in his new position as he carries on the sterling work of his predecessor. I also want to pay tribute to Mr Montgomery for his many years of dedication to the Society.”