Mid Ulster District Council will light its buildings up blue on Friday 19 March to commemorate the anniversary of the first COVID-19 death here and to remember all those who have lost their lives to the virus across the entire island of Ireland.
The Council agreed to commemorate the anniversary of the first COVID-19 death here, which occurred on 19 March last year and since which time more than 6,400 people across Ireland have sadly lost their lives as a result of the virus.
Speaking on the decision to commemorate those who have lost their lives, Chair of the Council, Councillor Cathal Mallaghan, said: “It is overwhelming and deeply saddening to think that we are almost at the year mark since the first victim tragically lost his life from the COVID-19 virus here. I don’t think any of us imagined the severity of the loss and devastation that lay ahead of us at that time.
“To date a staggering 6,420 individuals across the island of Ireland have tragically lost their lives to this killer virus, leaving behind countless devastated and grieving families who have had to deal with and process losing their loved ones in such unspeakable and heart-breaking circumstances.
“The fact that as a council we are able to commemorate this colossal and shattering loss of life by lighting up our buildings goes some way in recognising those who have sadly lost their lives and illustrates and expresses our heartfelt condolences to their families who continue to mourn their loss.”
The Burnavon, Cookstown; Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House, Dungannon and the Bridewell, Magherafelt will all light up blue on Friday 19 March.
To find out more about lighting up our building, go to: www.midulstercouncil.org/lightingupbuildings.
