30 years in south Armagh

Friday April 23 marked a very special occasion for stalwart community worker/peace maker Ian Bothwell, founder of Crossfire Trust in Darkley. This year is Ian’s 30th year in south Armagh, making God’s love real to all in the area.

Staff at Crossfire arranged a ‘This Is Your Life’ event at Armagh City Hotel which they managed to keep a total surprise! 300 people spanning 30 years attended the event, from as far afield as the USA.

It was an evening of anecdotes, reminiscing, music, gifts, photographs and food – one of Ian’s favourite things. A huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make the evening such a big success.

It was a truly remarkable evening for a truly remarkable man and his wonderful family, wife Pauline, son Justin and daughter Megan.

“It was an enormous surprise to see so many people from across Ireland, UK and USA prepared to celebrate 30 years of Crossfire in action in south Armagh,” said Ian.

“The honour of the occasion will motivate and sustain us for many years to come as it defines what we do and why we do it and whom we do it with. I appreciate the great effort made by the staff and volunteers. It will be a night I will never forget.”

The Ulster Gazette - 27 May 2010

Some pictures below from the evening...