Belfast’s new Lord Mayor has urged residents to help present the city at its best as it prepares for a major summer of music, visitors and community events around Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly was installed as Lord Mayor of Belfast at the annual general meeting of Belfast City Council on 1 June 2026, taking over the chain of office from Councillor Tracy Kelly.
The Sinn Féin councillor, from Ballymurphy, has represented the Black Mountain electoral area in west Belfast since May 2023. Her first message in office centred on participation, community pride and the city’s role as host for one of Europe’s largest cultural gatherings.
Róis-Máire Donnelly takes the chain of office
Councillor Donnelly said Belfast had a chance to show what residents, organisations and communities could achieve together during a summer shaped by the Fleadh.
“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,” she said.
She said the event would offer a platform for Belfast’s people, diversity, traditions and stories, with benefits expected to reach beyond the festival period. Readers planning around the event can also see our Belfast Fleadh visitor guide for practical context on stays and travel.
Fleadh summer puts Belfast communities in focus
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is due to be held in Belfast in both 2026 and 2027, giving the city a two-year window to involve neighbourhoods, cultural groups and local businesses in the staging of the event.
Councillor Donnelly said the theme of “celebrating together” should extend across the city, encouraging visitors to explore Belfast beyond the main festival footprint.
Young people and Irish language among priorities
The new Lord Mayor said young people, especially girls and young women, would be a focus during her term. She pointed to cost of living pressures, inclusive growth and climate adaptation as issues likely to have a long-term impact on Belfast’s under-30 population.
She also said Belfast’s Irish language community was flourishing and should be protected and nurtured, describing language as a force for connection across the city.
Councillor Hedley Abernethy, an Alliance Party representative for Ormiston, was appointed Deputy Lord Mayor, succeeding Councillor Paul Doherty.
Source: Belfast Scraper
Source check Source trail
This article was written from Belfast City Council’s published account of the 1 June 2026 annual meeting and mayoral handover.
- Confirmed the named incoming and outgoing Lord Mayor from the source text.
- Checked the stated council roles and electoral areas against the supplied source material.
- Kept Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann context limited to details stated in the source.
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- Belfast City Council
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- Belfast
- Updated
- 2026-06-04 21:46
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