Galway People of the Year Awards celebrate 30 years
OVER 550 family members, friends and supporters attended the presentation of this year’s Galway People of the Year awards which honoured representatives from a wide range of communities at home and away.
The gala banquet in the Galway Bay Hotel was attended by Galway City Mayor Cllr Mike Cubbard and Cathaoirleach of Galway County Cllr David Collins.
Several individuals and groups for North and North East Galway were among this year’s winners including Dunmore native Jimmy Glynn who travelled from New York with his family to celebrate the occasion with his relatives at home. Jimmy has been central to fostering community spirit among Irish immigrants and has given so much back to Galway even though living thousands of miles away.
Ann Mitchell from Menlough was also honoured for her many years of working in the local community and helping others.
Cairdeas Disco Volunteers Lackagh received a group award for their volunteer work for over 20 years supporting people with additional needs.
Row to Recovery, a volunteer-led charity that supports people who have experienced cancer to regain physical strength and emotional wellbeing, through the shared rhythm of rowing was also a recipient of an award.
Others honoured were John Sullivan, Gort; Hubert Geoghegan, Ardrahan; Mary and Malachy Booth, Clarinbridge; Louise Casserly, Oranmore; John Shortt, Roscam; Donal Lynch, Ballybane; Lorcan Mannion, Bushy Park and Rahoon; John Pardy, a native of Lawrencetown; and Carrie Dolan, Ailish O’Reilly and Aoife Donohue were all honoured for their contribution to Galway Camogie.
A special presentation was made to Keith Finnegan, Mary Bennett and Jack McCann for their contribution and support of the awards for the past 20 years.
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ANN Mitchell from Menlough accecpts her award from sponsor Basil Holian.Image 2 of 4
RIGHT: REPRESENTING Row to Recovery were Yvonne O’Callaghan, Margaret Scott, Martina McWalter, Therese Mongan and Robin Winkles.Image 3 of 4
CAIRDEAS volunteers Lackagh: Jody and Theresa Murphy, Chrissie Moore, Sinead Molloy, Martina Joyce, Linda Keane, Betty Joyce, Fr John O’Gorman and Frances Molloy with sponsor Basil Holian (centre).Image 4 of 4
SPONSOR Basil Holian (right) presents Jimmy Glynn of Dunmore and New York with his award.Speaking at the function organiser Ollie Robinson said the awards were inaugurated in 1995 and he thanked all the local media for their generous coverage over the past 30 years which ensures they receive nominations from every nook and cranny in the county and abroad every year.
He also thanked awards partner and sponsor Basil Holian for his generosity and support. Mr Holian paid tribute to all the recipients for their unselfish contribution to their communities at home and abroad and said it was an honour to lend his support.