Community champions honoured at Muinebheag Cathaoirleach Awards
Cllr Tommy Kinsella, cathaoirleach of Muinebheag Municipal District, presents a Cathaoirleach Award to Annette Mahon, Eileen Heffernan and Kathleen Brennan during the awards evening in McGrath Hall in Bagenalstown Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie
MUINEBHEAG Municipal District celebrated its local heroes at the annual Cathaoirleach Awards ceremony on Wednesday 7 May in the local McGrath Hall.
About 70 attendees gathered to honour seven recipients, whose extraordinary contributions have strengthened the fabric of the local community. Cathaoirleach cllr Tommy Kinsella presented the awards and praised the recipients for their dedication.
“These awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of inspirational individuals who make our community flourish. They are our beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for us all,” said Mr Kinsella during the ceremony.
Among the honourees were three women from Ballyellen Development Association – Eileen Heffernan, Annette Mahon and Kathleen Brennan – recognised for nearly 40 years of voluntary service to their community.
Mary O’Neill and Josephine Doyle received awards for founding St Mullins Amenity and Recreation Tourism Group (SMART) in 1994 and their tireless efforts in preserving the historical village of St Mullins.
Pat Ryan was celebrated for his outstanding contribution to handball, having served as secretary of Garryhill Handball Club from age 17 and playing instrumental roles in organising clubs nationwide over five decades.
World-renowned ploughman Eamonn Tracey of Garryhill was honoured for his impressive achievements, including six World Ploughing Championships and 14 national titles, representing Ireland on the global stage 16 times.
John Meaney received recognition for over 50 years of commitment to Leighlinbridge Improvement Group, helping to transform the area into an award-winning village.
Two local sports clubs – Kilree Celtic FC and Ballymurphy Celtic AFC (celebrating its 25th anniversary) – were also acknowledged for their dedication to community sports and the positive impact of their volunteers and mentors.
The awards were proposed and agreed upon by the members of Muinebheag Municipal District, which includes councillors Tommy Kinsella (cathaoirleach), Andy Gladney, Willie Quinn, Michael Doran and Daniel Pender.
