Dominick Burke, a long-serving organiser with the Galway Red Cross, was this week made the Galway City Credit Union’s Volunteer of the Year at the city’s 10th Annual Mayor's Awards.
Mr Burke was presented with the award by the Mayor of Galway Terry O’Flaherty in the Black Box Theatre in front of an audience of more than 400 people. “His involvement with Galway Red Cross over a period of 50 years is an inspiration to all of us,” she said.
Other recipients of Mayor’s Awards for 2012 include Sean Connell for his work in the Menlo community and Mary Arrigan-Langan for her work with the Octopus Swimming Club.
The awards are organised by Galway City Council and are sponsored by the Galway City Credit Unions. More than 100 individuals and groups received certificates from the Mayor in celebration of voluntary activity in community life.
The St Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Cursaí Gaeilge Award went to Peter Connolly and the Claddagh boatmen, in recognition of their commitment to preserving and continuing the life of an iconic symbol of Galway life.
The St Columba’s Credit Union Residents’ and Local Areas Award went to Seán Connell for his work in Menlo. The Naomh Pádraig Credit Union Social and Community Support Award was presented to Brendan Coffey for his many fund raising activities.
The Older Volunteer of the Year was given Pat Conroy for his work in the Tirellan area; The Sports Volunteer of the Year Award went to Mary Arrigan-Langan in recognition of her unfaltering dedication to bringing the benefits of swimming to people with physical disabilities.
The Children and Youth Award was given to Nicola Corcoran for her work with young people in Renmore. The Young Volunteer of the Year went to David Finnerty for his commitment to ensuring that young people with intellectual disabilities have wider opportunities.
Each of the winners received a Galway Crystal trophy and a cheque for €700.
