The winners of the Galway People of the Year Awards organised in partnership with Galway Credit Unions were announced at a press reception in the Galway Bay Hotel at the weekend. The winners will be honoured at a Gala Banquet and Presentation to be held in the Galway Bay Hotel on Saturday March 21, compered by Ollie Turner and broadcast live on Galway Bay fm.
All of the winners were nominated by members of the public for their work in a variety of fields which contributed to the betterment of the lives of people in their communities. The winners were introduced by two members of the adjudication panel and former award winners well known Galway businesswoman Mary Bennett and former UHG consultant Dr Jack McCann to a large attendance of family members and supporters.
The Galway People of the Year are Lilly Considine, Oranmore, for her tireless voluntary contribution to the local community; Craig Brown Ballindeereen, founder of the Galway Chapter of 100 Men Who Give a Damn; Joe Healy, former National President of Macra na Feirme and IFA; Sean Walsh the voice of Galway hurling on Galway Bay fm for 30 years; Valerie Kinsella Castleblakeney for her 40 years voluntary service to the local community; Suzanne McClean, Galway City, co-founder Rosabel’s Rooms; Joint Awards go to Fintan Rooney and John Cheever, Craughwell organisers of the Annual Fun Roast; Kevin O.Brien and Kieran Fitzgerald, Corofin to acknowledge the Corofin Team three in a row success; Sarah Dervan, Cathal Murray, and Ann Kearney to celebrate Galway Camogie’s glorious year; Group awards go to Galway Blazers Charity Ride Committee who have raised over half a million euro for charity, Moylough Defibrillator and First Responder Group, and for people living in a rural area, this group can be the difference between life and death; Carmen Taheny and BPW Galway who brought over 400 delegates to Galway for a European conference.
Awards organiser Ollie Robinson congratulated all the winners on their achievements and thanked the media for their support in promoting the awards annually since 1995 as without their support there would be no nominations.
He also thanked all those who submitted nominations and the adjudicators. He also said that for the first time the awards were being organised in partnership with Galway Credit Unions and proceeds from the event would be going to Galway Hospice,
He also thanked Tex Callaghan and Galway Crystal for their continued support.
Speaking on behalf of the adjudication panel Mary Bennett complimented all the winners for their contribution to their communities, and the support they had given to others.
She also paid tribute to Ollie Robinson and said only for him we would not have the Galway People of the Year Awards. Bernie Diskin, St Jarlath’s Credit Union Tuam speaking on behalf of Galway Credit Unions, said they were delighted to be involved as the Credit Unions were very much part of our community and recognised all the wonderful working being done locally by groups and individuals
The Galway People of the Year Awards ceremony is now recognised as one of the highlights of the Galway social calendar. The evening starts with a drinks reception at 7pm sponsored by the Galway Bay Hotel, The main function starts with the live broadcast and interviews at 8pm followed by a five course meal and dancing to Silkwood.
Families, friends, groups, clubs, and supporters of the winners are invited to organise a table and support the winners and a great cause. Tickets €60 each. For more information, or tickets contact any of the winners or Ollie at 087 2437009 or [email protected]
