Statement on the passing of Councillor Paul Hamill

“It is with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of our colleague, Councillor Paul Hamill who sadly lost his battle with Covid. He was 46 years old.

“As first citizen of the Borough and on behalf of all of his Council colleagues, I would like to pass on our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife Ruth, daughters Grace and Sarah, sister Wendy, mother Ann, and to his wider family circle and friends.

‘’Paul was first and foremost a family man as husband, father, son and brother. His love for community led him to enter politics and he was elected in 2014 to serve the community of Macedon, alongside me, to the new Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. Many of us counted on him as a friend regardless of party affiliation, he treated everyone with great kindness, and will be greatly missed.

“Serving his community in the Macedon DEA, Paul was nominated as first citizen in the role of Mayor from June 2017 to May 2018. As Mayor and with his family beside him, Paul faithfully carried out his duties at hundreds of engagements in every area of the Borough with great dignity and pride. I know first-hand how much his work as Mayor was appreciated by everyone he met.

“Councillor Hamill attended Abbots Cross Primary School, then Rathcoole Secondary School before serving his apprenticeship in Short Bombardier where he went on to become a Senior Weights Engineer.

“A lifelong member of the Boys’ Brigade, Councillor Hamill served with me as a governor of Newtownabbey Community High School and then as a member of the Board of Governors of Abbey Community College. Prior to being elected, Councillor Hamill worked for 11 years as a Missionary in Rathcoole for Belfast City Mission and through his missionary work supported not only those in his community, but many overseas projects.

“I will be opening a virtual book of condolence tomorrow (Wednesday 15 September)and would invite everyone who knew Paul to leave a message paying tribute to his memory and many accomplishments.”