The Galway People of the Year Award winners were honoured at a Gala Banquet and Awards Presentation in the Galway Bay Hotel at the weekend with over 400 guests in attendance, including Councillor Donal Lyons Deputy Mayor of Galway and Cathoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor Liam Carroll.
They were also joined by family friends and supporters. All recipients were interviewed live on stage by Keith Finnegan of Galway Bay fm and presented with their awards by Basil Holian of Watchman Holdings who are the Award partners
Honoured were 11-year-old Saoirse Ruane from Kiltulla, the youngest ever recipient who captured hearts of the nation on the Late Late Toy Show when she spoke of her illness and was the inspiration that led to the first ever Toy Show appeal which went on to raise over €12 million.
Relay Mara Group that started 214 and undertake a specific project for a specific length of time raises the required funds and carries out the project to completion.
Veronica Murray from Oranmore received her award for 28 years of dedicated voluntary service to the Special Olympics.
Mary Nolan from Gort has been involved as a volunteer with Gort Cancer Support since the outset and her involvement and support has endured for over the last 16 years.
Dublin native Michael Hurley was honoured for his contribution to his adopted parish of Lackagh since his retirement and his decision to rev up when others are winding down.
Next door neighbours in their native parish of Kilconieron, Carmel Dempsey and Pat Uniacke were both honoured. Pat for his contribution to the Sporting, Business and Cultural life of the Irish Community in San Francisco, where he has been an inspiration to so many and Carmel who is well known throughout the county for her musical talent and supporting many worthy causes.
Joe Canning was honoured for his sporting achievements, being a role model for our youth, an ambassador for UNICEF and supporting other causes
Shane Coen Ballindereen received his award in recognition of the attitude and reaction of his family to the sudden death of his brother and the fundraising done in his honour
Padraic Divilly, Kilkerrin was honoured for over 50 years voluntary service to his local community and the IFA
Ray McHugh, Cong who with family friends and supporters has raised over €900,000 for worthy causes
PJ Fahy, Glenamaddy was recognised for enterprise and employment, sporting achievements and support for his local community
Sister Agnes Curley, Tuam was honoured for her immense contribution to her local community in Tuam from the development of Gilmartin Road to Tuam Tidy Towns
Patrica King Callaghan, Tuam for using her many talents for the good of others.
Speaking at the function awards organiser Ollie Robinson said the awards recognise those who have done their community and their county proud at home or abroad, those who bring joy and light to the lives of others, or shown true strength and courage in the face of adversity, ordinary people who have enriched the lives of others. He also thanked everybody who helped organise the awards.
