Irish city of Belfast unveils the portrait of former Mayor Kate Nicholl who is originally from Marondera, Zimbabwe

The town of Belfast in Ireland has revealed a mayoral portrait of 35-year-old Kate Nicholl, a former lord mayor who is originally from Marondera Zimbabwe. The portrait captures a significant moment in her life when she was pregnant and is a tribute to the midwives of Belfast.

Kate Nicholl Zimbabwe
Kate Nicholl


Kate Nicholl, who had previously served as a councillor, gave birth to her daughter Etain in May 2022 shortly after her term as lord mayor ended. Ms. Nicholl, originally from Zimbabwe, made history by becoming Belfast's first citizen in June 2021 and served in this capacity until May 2022.

Remarkably, the birth of her baby occurred just weeks after Kate Nicholl was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for South Belfast in the aftermath of the previous year's assembly elections. She actively campaigned even while heavily pregnant and successfully secured the seat, taking over from Green Party leader Clare Bailey.

Kate Nicholl shared a photograph on her Twitter account, featuring herself and her daughter admiring the newly unveiled portrait. Her caption read: "Look, that's us.' A privilege to unveil my official Lord Mayor’s portrait this evening, which I dedicated to the midwives of Belfast who bring the next generation into this world."

Kate Nicholl who is originally from Marondera, Zimbabwe
Kate Nicholl shows her daughter the portrait hanging over Belfast City Hall
Image Credit/ Kate Nicholl

Per Irish Times, The portrait of Kate Nicholl was created by artist Catherine Creaney, based in Coalisland. It was unveiled at City Hall on Monday, alongside a picture of her party colleague Michael Long, who briefly assumed the role of lord mayor for the last few weeks of her term, becoming the city's shortest-serving lord mayor. His brief tenure in office is commemorated with a photograph from his installation ceremony. Both portraits now grace the corridors of City Hall alongside images of previous lord mayors.

The captivating portrait of Kate Nicholl was masterfully crafted by the talented artist Catherine Creaney, based in Coalisland. Catherine's skillful depiction of Kate, pregnant and radiant, showcases her artistic prowess. This stunning artwork now holds a prominent place within the hallowed walls of City Hall.

The portrait of Kate Nicholl is not the only addition to the City Hall's collection. Alongside Kate's portrait, a picture of her party colleague, Michael Long, was also unveiled. Michael Long took over the role of lord mayor for the final few weeks of Kate's term, becoming the city's shortest-serving lord mayor. His brief but impactful term is immortalized in the photograph from his installation ceremony. Together, these portraits now grace the corridors of City Hall, joining the legacy of the city's previous lord mayors.

Don't just read, become a part of the story! Contribute a coffee to Greedysouth's journey NOW!
Mungwadzi Godwin

twitterinstagramI like sharing positive stories about Zimbabweans at home and abroad. I also write articles on Personal Finance, Fashion, Music, and Tech. Let's connect!

Post a Comment (0)
Previous Post Next Post