Ards and North Down Borough Council has approved a memorial quilt exhibition created by the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF). The quilts honour local victims of Troubles-era violence. The display will take place in the borough.

The quilts commemorate UDR soldiers Private John Birch from Ballywalter, aged 28, and Private Steven Smart from Newtownards, aged 23. They died in an IRA bomb attack near Downpatrick on April 9, 1990, along with Private David Adams and Lance Corporal John Bradley.

John McCready, a father and husband from Groomsport and Bangor, is also featured. He sustained gunshot wounds in Belfast from Republican terrorists on February 6, 1976, and died 10 days later.

Councillors approved the exhibition at a Place and Prosperity Committee meeting. The motion came from Councillor Wesley Irvine and Councillor Steven Irvine.

Councillor Steven Irvine stated that the quilts serve as a visual record of loss, resilience, and remembrance. He added that each panel recounts a personal story and offers a space for reflection among victims, families, and survivors.

Councillor Richard Smart, cousin of Private Steven Smart, called him a dedicated soldier. He stressed the need to share the victims' stories across the borough to recognise their sacrifices and hardships.

Alderman Robert Adair noted the local impact of Private Birch's death on the Ards Peninsula. Councillor Wesley Irvine highlighted SEFF's support for victims and the importance of the exhibition to the McCready family.