UK award for Ballyglunin man

BALLYGLUNIN man Patrick (Pat) Owens, who was born and raised in the village of Ballinamona, received the prestigious Irish Man of the Midlands Award at a function in London. The award was presented by the Irish Ambassador to the UK, Bobby McDonagh, at an annual ceremony for distinguished Irish emigrants organised by the London-based Irish World newspaper.[private] Pat Owens left Galway in the late 1950s at the age of 18 and like many of his generation settled in Birmingham. He and his wife Mary went on to build a very successful family business in the licensed trade, owning a chain of pubs, restaurants and hotels across the Midlands, including the Irish Centre in Birmingham. Pat was nominated for this award for his service to the Irish community in the Midlands. His contribution includes providing employment to countless Irish people, sometimes across generations, extensive charity work and taking a lead role in fundraising to benefit Irish people living in the UK. 'I am very proud to be from Galway, I have never forgotten my roots and believe that my strong work ethic and my commitment to family and community comes from my upbringing in Ballinamona,' said Pat on being presented with his award. He returns frequently to visit other family members in the Ballyglunin area as well as his sister Bridie Smyth in Oranmore. Pat's wife Mary, who was born in Birmingham, says her roots are in Roscommon as her father was from near Ballaghadereen. She says members of their family continue to be active in operating their businesses in the Birmingham area, especially The Irish Club, which is one of a number of locations frequented by Irish emigrants, the young and those of more mature years, as well as their families. Pat and Mary have four children and nine grandchildren. The children and grandchildren of Irish emigrants in the British midlands continue to have strong links with venues such as The Irish Club and the nearby St Anne's Club in Digbeth, Birmingham. Pat and Mary say they were in the company of singer Daniel O'Donnell at the latter venue when he re-launched the Irish Welfare Forum there earlier this year. This forum aims to help and inform Irish emigrants of what assistance is available if they fall on hard times or if they have concerns about other issues. Daniel gave his time free of charge for this event and both Pat and Mary say they and many others were delighted to have him with them.[/private]