A Dundrum woman has just returned from a very special visit to Buckingham Palace, where she received her MBE for her dedication to peacebuilding through sport.
Joanne Fitzpatrick, who was a New Year’s Honour recipient, has worked with PeacePlayers Northern Ireland for almost two decades, using her passion, pure love for, in particular, basketball, as well as leadership skills and expertise to foster connections, break down barriers and create opportunities for young people to play together, so they can learn to live together.
PeacePlayers NI engages over 1,200 Protestant and Catholic youths, aged between nine and 25, in basketball training, conflict resolution education and leadership development activities.
The organisation says the accolade is a true reflection of Joanne’s commitment and is grateful to have her contributions to its mission – to form friendships and advocate for reconciliation and a shared society.
It added that it couldn’t be prouder to call the local woman ‘one of our own!’ Joanne, who initially got involved with the charity in a voluntary capacity, received her honour from The Princess Royal, and was accompanied on this once in a lifetime visit by her mum, Patricia, and partner, Aoife Redmond.
She said she was exceptionally proud to have them as her guests of honour and just wishes she had been able to have her dad, Liam, and sister, who are “both chuffed to bits” for her, there too.
Read the full story in the current issue of the Mourne Observer.
