Mrs Mary J Holmes OBE JP
The Freedom of the Borough of Ballymoney was conferred on Mrs Mary J. Holmes, lately the Mayor of the said Borough on 30th April 1986, having filled the position of chief citizen faithfully, honourably and distinctively for a period of eight successive years.
Background and History
The Council hereby records its appreciation of a unique record, covering thirty years of public service to the Borough of Ballymoney and the wider community of Northern Ireland, a record marked at all times by an unfailing concern for and interest in persons of all ages, classes and creeds.
Mrs Mary J. (Mollie) Holmes spent her youth at Colebrene farm, a short distance from the boundary of the present Borough and much of her adult life within the town of Ballymoney. This Council has, then, a particular pleasure in conferring the highest honour in its gift on one whose life has been so closely identified with the historic district of Dalriada.
Mrs Holmes entered local government in May 1955 as the first female member of Ballymoney Urban District Council. She was elected and remained as an independent member, obtaining by her impartiality, energies and great personal charm the respect and affection of her fellow Councillors and the general public, of whatever political stance or opinion. She continued to enjoy the confidence of the electorate until, in May 1985, after thirty years continuous service in local government, she stepped down form the office of Mayor which she had held honourably and capably for eight successive years.
As might be expected, her many gifts became known to a wider public beyond the Borough and she was called upon to serve as a member of a number of public and voluntary bodies. She thus served, to name but a few at random, the Antrim County Welfare Committee, the Northern Health and Social Services Board, the Association of Local Authorities of Northern Ireland, the Ulster Tourist Development Association, the Northern Group Public Health Committee, the Court of the New University of Ulster, the Northern Ireland Probation Board. Her philanthropic benevolence was, and continues to be shown in her work with the Robinson Hospital Committee, the Ballymoney Evergreen Club, the Road Safety Committee and the Royal British Legion.
The contribution made by Mrs Holmes to the public and private life of Northern Ireland in general, and this Borough in particular, was recognised, as long ago as 1978, when Her Majesty The Queen was graciously pleased to confer upon he the Order of the British Empire. She has been for many years, and remains, a Justice of the Peace for County Antrim.