Belfast's newly appointed Lord Mayor has urged citizens to unite this summer and showcase the very best of the city as it prepares to welcome attendees for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly shared her vision following the council's annual general meeting at City Hall, where she was officially installed as Lord Mayor, succeeding Councillor Tracy Kelly in the role. The Sinn Féin councillor is from the Ballymurphy area and has represented the Black Mountain electoral area of west Belfast since May 2023.

"This is a huge year for Belfast, and I'm calling on all our citizens to get involved this summer and show what we can do and achieve together," said Councillor Donnelly.

"It takes a team effort to deliver an event of this size and scale, and it will provide an amazing platform to highlight our people, diversity, traditions and stories, creating benefits which will be felt for years to come.

"The Fleadh in Belfast is all about 'celebrating together' and, with the event also taking place in 2027, we have a unique opportunity to really engage communities in the staging of one of Europe's biggest cultural events and encourage visitors to explore everything we have to offer, right across our city." The 30-year-old Lord Mayor noted that her core priorities for the term will also include promoting the Irish language and celebrating young people, specifically girls and young women.

She said: "Forty per cent of Belfast's population is aged 30 or under, and many of the issues we face as a city, including cost of living pressures, the need for inclusive growth and adapting to climate change, will impact them the most.

"I want to work with things like young people to hear their ideas and encourage them to get involved in shaping solutions.

"I'm particularly keen to support younger women in our communities and spotlight those projects working to empower them, to tackle negative behaviours towards women and to unlock access to support services and enable everyone to reach their full potential.

"Our city's Irish language community is also flourishing, and, like all languages, it deserves to be protected and nurtured. I will showcase the good work being done to foster interest and connection, right across the city, and highlight how language can work as a force for good."

Additionally, Councillor Hedley Abernethy has assumed the role of Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast. Representing the Ormiston electoral area for the Alliance party, Councillor Abernethy succeeds the outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Doherty.

The annual meeting, which represents the final one of the current four-year council term, also finalised the appointment of new committee chairs. The proceedings were broadcast live via the council's website.