Junior Chamber International Galway hosted its annual ball and awards ceremony in the Glenlo Abbey Hotel recently where the voluntary activities and efforts of members were recognised through the awards ceremony.
This event marks the end of a successful year for branch president Evelyn Cormican who had a busy year with 12 Galway projects to co-ordinate and acting as representative of JCI Galway at local, national and international events. She even travelled to Finland where she undertook to give training to members from all over Europe.
The highest honour that can be awarded in JCI is that of senator and four longstanding members of JCI Galway received this title this year, Stephen Murray, an orthodontist with HSE West, has been a member since 2002 and has been hugely involved in co-ordinating training and public speaking events to benefit JCI members.
He represented JCI Ireland at Europe and World conferences in public speaking competitions and has given his time voluntarily to these activities.
Helen Flatley, a member of staff at the GMIT Library, was honoured for her long time contribution to JCI Galway through organising and providing training events both locally and internationally. Helen has graduated as a trainer through the JCI University and has served on local and national boards in a number of different roles.
Máirín O’Reilly of MóR Public Relations, was honoured as a JCI senator for her role as local president in 2005 and leading the branch to win the title of World’s Best JCI Branch. Using her motivation and professional skills she boosted the public profile of JCI Galway and increased the active membership greatly - revitalising the local branch.
Catherine Laffey was honoured as a JCI Senator at the recent National Convention for her role as National President 2008, and her role as Local President in 2006 leading the branch to great succes. Catherine holds the title of best Local President in Europe for 2006.
JCI Galway members come from a wide range of backgrounds but all have a common aim to contribute to the community through voluntary projects extending to sectors of business, charity and personal development.
The Galway branch is one of the most successful in Ireland and in November claimed two national awards in the categories of ‘Best Community Development Project’ and ‘Best Fundraising Project’.
Members gain from their participation in developing their leadership as well as entrepreneurship skills and increasing their roles as active citizens in the community. Further information about JCI Galway can be viewed on www.jci-galway.org New members are invited to attend the monthly general meeting on the second Tuesday each month.
