Thirteen receive cathaoirleach awards in Bagenalstown

THE annual cathaoirleach’s awards for Bagenalstown Municipal District were held in McGrath Hall on 13 May, hosted by cllr Daniel Pender.

The evening was MC’d by Padraig O’Gorman, director of services at Carlow County Council, and were organised by Tommie Hickinson, with assistance from Mary Butler.

Thirteen people and groups were presented with awards for contribution to sports and/or the community.

Pat Dwyer was awarded in recognition of winning the Leinster title in shooting and placing in the national competition, while Margaret Byrne was awarded in recognition of her contribution to community sports and service with Mount Leinster Rangers GAA Club.

Margaret Minchin was recognised for her commitment to preserving and passing on the county’s history and contribution to community groups.

Ballinkillen Village Group and Billy Conran were awarded for their ‘contribution to the community’. Tom O’Keefe received an award for his ‘outstanding contribution to community life in Ballinabranna and the wider Leighlin parish’.

Mary Lawlor and Séan Hanafin received awards for their voluntary work in the community.

Pierce Doyle, Paddy Doyle, Liam Quinn and Conor McCarthy were awarded for their community work in Borris, while Marian Manning was recognised for her ‘outstanding commitment and dedication to those around her in St Lazerian’s House’.

Each awardee was presented with a framed certificate and an engraved glass award by cathaoirleach Pender.

He opened proceedings with a few words as Gaeilge, describing it as a great honour to reward the “community heroes in our midst”. He went on to say that all the awardees were volunteers, who do their work for the community without the expectation of thanks or reward. Such selfless work is central to making the area a great place to live, he added.

“It’s not often that we get to acknowledge those who do this work, but we must also thank your families and supporters who are here with you tonight as they enable you to do the work that you do,” said cllr Pender.

Cllr Pender told The Nationalist: “The evening was a great success. The recipients were delighted to be recognised for their hard work.”

* See this week's paper for a full gallery of photos from the awards night.