Moneymore lady becomes Belle of Mid Ulster 2025

A Moneymore mother is celebrating after being crowned ‘Belle of Mid Ulster’. 

Claire McGurk has been regarded as a champion in her community for many years and now she has been officially recognised for it. 

ABOVE: Claire McGurk winner of The Belle of Mid Ulster. Photo credit: Donna Espie & Derek Junk (Dreams Photography)

The special award show, which aims to celebrate the diversity and community spirit of women in Mid Ulster, took place in Cookstown on Thursday, June 19. 

The Belle of Mid Ulster competition was established in 2017 and is open to all women from the area aged over 18. 

The event was started to give women in Mid Ulster a platform and voice and to showcase the area as a great place to work and visit. 

Claire, who works as a Project Manager for an over 60’s group at  Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre, said she is ‘humbled’ by the honour of the award.

After being nominated for the award by clients, Claire managed to impress the judges with her caring nature and community spirit.

A qualified social worker and single mum-of-three, Claire loves being a part of her local community. 

Despite the grief of losing her own mother a few years back Claire likes doing all in her power to help others. 

Speaking to the County Derry Post, Claire shared a bit about her journey and what her plans are now that she has been crowned Belle of Mid Ulster. 

“When I qualified as a social worker, I worked for a few years but it got to a stage where there was no work-life balance so I applied for a role going in the Volunteer Centre in Magherafelt and have been there since. In my job in the centre we focus on running activities to promote health and wellbeing and reduce loneliness. A lot of the ladies and men that come to us are widows who are often living alone and have family living away. So coming to the group gives them a chance to connect again with other people and get a chat. We run a lunch club on a Tuesday, we also have exercise classes, crochet classes and we go on trips and have relevant talks throughout the year.”

As if running the 60s group wasn’t enough, Claire is also coach to under 8s at her local GAA club, Henry Joy McCracken. 

“From a young age I always knew I wanted to help and support other people. When I was younger I did a lot of volunteering VOYPIC (Voice of Young People in Care). During that time I was a mentor for a child that was in care. To do what I can to help my community, I like contributing towards local foodbanks and doing what I can to help my community, if I could do more I would.”

ABOVE: Claire collecting her award as The Belle of Mid Ulster. Photo credit: Donna Espie & Derek Junk (Dreams Photography)

Fresh from the competition Claire expressed her shock over winning. 

“The only way I can describe it is humbled. From being nominated at the start until now, I am grateful. It is amazing that somebody thought that much of me to nominate me in the first place. It is an honour that the judging panel thought I was good enough to be The Belle of Mid-Ulster. I still can’t believe it. The competition is a great way of highlighting all the inspirational women in our community. It was so empowering to see all the different kinds of women stand up, tell their stories and talk about the charitable work they do within their community. The work within the community and voluntary sector isn’t recognised enough and is often unappreciated. 

“This will give me the confidence to go for the things I am passionate about and know I have that support behind me. One thing I am passionate about is trying to provide services for people on a Sunday afternoon. I was recently at a meeting where it was discussed that this can be the loneliest time for people. Community services are available throughout the week of course but there aren't regular weekend events for people to attend. I would love to try to fill this gap for people. 

“For myself, even on a Sunday when I don’t have my kids I can feel lonely, this is not just about older people, this affects all kinds. I am hoping to work with the local council and local groups on this issue. I am involved with several groups including The Loneliness Network and The Seniors Network so I am hoping to bring this idea to them and see what partnerships we can do.”