10 Newry groups to benefit from first Brian Conlon Foundation awards

8 Jul 2022

Ten local groups in the Newry area are set to benefit from the first awards announced by the Brian Conlon Foundation. From drama to sports, to library resources and music each successful group will receive up to £3,500 each following the awards in the first round of funding provided by the Foundation.

The Brian Conlon Foundation was established in memory of Brian Conlon, a hugely successful and highly regarded figure in the Newry area and in the wider sports and business community. Best known for his involvement in Gaelic football and as the founder of First Derivatives, a leading provider of products and consulting services to some of the world’s largest finance, technology and energy institutions.

The Community Foundation Northern Ireland is delighted to be working in partnership with the Conlon family and The Brian Conlon Foundation to continue his legacy by supporting causes that were close to his heart and that he was passionate about.

The Brian Conlon Foundation stated: 

“We are delighted to be able to make these awards to groups in the Newry area. The interest shown by local groups in this fund, created in memory of Brian is heart-warming and reflective of the fantastic work that is carried out across the city and the surrounding areas.  

“The connection Brian had with Newry is well known. He was passionate about creating opportunities in his hometown and making a real difference to people’s lives.  The Foundation reflects Brian’s values and allows his spirit to live on whilst making a positive tangible contribution to the community he was so proud of.” 

Síofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy at the Community Foundation added: 

“The awarding of these grants to local groups in the Newry area will have a huge impact. The 10 successful groups not only come from diverse background, but all come with the outlook of improving opportunities in educational, amateur sports and employment with a particular focus on children and young adults.

“This is the first round of funding from the Brian Conlon Foundation, and it truly does live up to the legacy of Brian whom the fund is in memory of aimed at investing in opportunities in Newry, the town that he loved.” 

About Brian Conlon

Brian passed away in July 2019 after a short illness, aged 53.  Entrepreneur and founder of First Derivatives,  he was a much-loved father, husband, son, brother, friend, and colleague. Hugely successful in many walks of life, Brian was a high achiever in education, in sport and in business. When a knee injury ended his senior gaelic football career with Co- Down, Brian turned his attention to business and set up First Derivatives from a bedroom in his mother’s home. It is now one of NI’s most successful businesses employing over 2,500 people globally.  Despite his successes’,  Brian remained a humble and grounded family man who faced both challenges and opportunities in his own life and who supported local and national causes in a quiet and understated way.

About the Community Foundation NI

The Community Foundation Northern Ireland is a local grant making charitable trust that connects people who care with causes that matter. Matching generous people with important community causes, every year, we award grants and facilitate innovative programmes for hundreds of small charities in Northern Ireland through funds set up by and investments made by our donors.

In the last 12 months the Foundation has awarded £8 million throughout NI, supporting over 1,000 communities in need. Through funding and development work, the Community Foundation for NI gives community and voluntary groups the tools and support to change lives.  To find out more about the Community Foundation please visit: www.communityfoundationni.org

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