Groogan elected Chair of Magherafelt District Council

Sinn Fein's Patsy Groogan has been elected Chairperson of Magherafelt District Council. The longserving councillor and GAA stalwart from Ballinascreen was nominated by party colleagues at the council's Annual General Meeting at The Bridewell. This is his second term in the office, having previously made history by being elected as Sinn Féin's first chair of the council.

In his acceptance speech, Groogan paid tribute to outgoing SDLP chairperson, Kate Lagan and outgoing unionist Vice-Chairperson, Bertie Montgomery.

Groogan said he particularly welcomed the opportunity to help lead the people of rural South Derry in their opposition to the Draft Magherafelt Area Plan 2015, which he said had been foisted on ther council in recent weeks and which has the potential to impact negatively for years to come.

Patsy Groogan is a well-known sports coach and is largely involved in the promotion of hurling, which is his passion. He has been involved in community development work in Ballinscreen and throughout the Magherafelt district for many years.

The Ballinacreen man has extensive political experience, both locally and nationally, and has represented the Sperrin district electoral area on the council since the assassination of his party colleague, Cllr Bernard O'Hagan, in 1991. Groogan was elected as a Mid-Ulster representive in the 1996 Forum elections, which led to peace negotiations and the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.