Day of Reflection Sub Group

The Day of Reflection Sub Group comprises a diversity of members with different political perspectives and social experiences. The Sub Group was formed in August 2004 to further investigate and explore the recommendation of a Day of Reflection which was outlined in the 2002 HTR Report.

The Sub Group has carried out both local and international research into the idea of a Day of Reflection and considered possible dates for a Day of Reflection. The research suggests that such an initiative is of merit and benefit both to individuals and to wider society.

Like all Sub Groups of HTR, the membership of the Day of Reflection Sub Group is diverse.

Below are short biographies of each of the Day of Reflection Sub Group members who initiated and developed the Day of Reflection.

Harold Good, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, 2001 – 2002, has served congregations in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and the USA. Currently, Chair of the Advice Services Alliance and formerly a member of the NI Human Rights Commission, Director of the Corrymeela Centre, Ballycastle and Chair of NIACRO. In September 2005, was one of two independent witnesses to the decommissioning of the weapons of the IRA. He has been the Chair of the Sub Group since 2010.

Kevin Cooper has been a press photographer for over 25 years. A trade union activist and Civic Forum member, he is interested in news and current affairs, freedom of expression, equality, human rights, truth, peace and reconciliation. He grew up in East Belfast and is now living in the north of the city. Former Vice Chair of the Sub Group.

Michael Culbert is the Director of the Republican ex-prisoner’s association. Also a member of the EHSSB Trauma Advisory Panel and Dunlewey Substance Advice Centre management, Michael worked full time as a counsellor in North Belfast for six years.

Tony Kennedy was Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland, the leading peace building charity on the island of Ireland.

Maura Kiely is the founder of the Cross Group which has been in existence for 31 years.

Alastair Kilgore worked as a teacher in East Belfast. He is a member of the Corrymeela Community and has helped host families and individuals severely traumatised by the Troubles.

Heather Kilgore is a former general practitioner who worked in East Belfast. She is a member of the Corrymeela Community and has helped host families and individuals severely traumatised by the Troubles.

Nichola Lynagh is a professional development officer for the Regional Training Unit. Previous to this position she worked as a community relations officer within the integrated education sector.

Michaela Mackin is Director of the Funding and Development Programme with the Community Relations Council. Since 1999, Michaela has been responsible for the management of financial resources and developmental support with groups working with victims and survivors of the Troubles.

Frances McCandless was Director of Policy at NICVA, the umbrella body for the voluntary and community sector. She has worked in the sector and elsewhere for 19 years.

Tommy McCay is a retired primary school teacher with over 35 years experience in education. He has been a full time voluntary member of the Columba Community of Prayer and Reconciliation in Derry and Donegal for over 25 years.

Kevin Mullan is a native of Omagh. He has worked in the North West since the 1970s in a community and priestly role.

Martin Murphy was manager of the NOVA Trauma Support Service since it began in August 1998. Part of the Barnardo’s (NI) organisation, NOVA attempts to address the impacts of psychological trauma, including those directly related to the Troubles, on individuals, their families and communities.

Trevor Ringland is a solicitor in Belfast. He is chairman of the One Small Step Campaign, which promotes a shared future where people work together constructively for their mutual benefit. He is also a trustee of the RUC George Cross Foundation and an independent member of the Policing Board.

Bernice Swift is Project Manager with Fírinne working on behalf of victims of State Violence throughout County Fermanagh. Through her campaigning work on victims' issues, Bernice was introduced to the political arena and is now also an Independent Councillor on Fermanagh District Council.

Andrew Rawding is an Anglican Priest and a former British Army officer who served in Northern Ireland from 1991 – 1994.

Healing Through Remembering is a cross-community organisation focussed on ways of dealing with the past relating to the conflict in and about Northern Ireland. The organisation is made up of a range of individuals from different political perspectives and social experiences and has been in existence since 1999.

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