The Dermot Gallagher Memorial Lecture was delivered by Rory Montgomery, former Irish Diplomat, former Ambassador to the EU and France, and part of the Good Friday Agreement negotiating team.Montgomery was the lead official on Brexit in the Department of Foreign Affairs until his retirement. Now he is an honorary professor at Queen’s University and recently appointed Chair of the Press Council of Ireland.
Julitta Clancy, President of the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society also addressed the gathering. One of the founding members of Meath Peace Group, Julitta was awarded an honorary MBE in 2004 for her work in promoting reconciliation in the peace process.
Speaking at the Dermot Gallagher Memorial Lecture, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr. Nick Killian said, “Dermot from Carrick-on-Shannon was a much loved, immensely popular and hugely respected member of the community in Ratoath. The people of Ratoath were very proud of Dermot’s work at national and international level. People understood that he was a key player in the historic events that were unfolding in the build up to the Belfast Agreement.”
“It is important that events like this evening are organised to ensure that Dermot’s contribution is remembered by a younger generation and that he is honoured in his adopted county. It is particularly appropriate that we are honoring him in association with the Meath Peace Group… Dermot Gallagher was steadfast in his belief for peace.”
Also in attendance on the evening was Dermot’s wife Maeve and children as well as extended members of the Gallagher family.
The event was organised to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
Source: Meath County Council
