Bernie O'Connell and the Board of Galway FC have been announced as Galway City Council Volunteers of the Year at the 11th Annual Mayor's Awards for Galway City on Tuesday night.
Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Padraig Conneely, presented the top award to Bernie O'Connell in recognition of the dedicated effort made by the board of Galway FC over a number of years to ensure that League of Ireland football is played in Deacy Park for years to come.
Cllr Pádraig Conneely commented: “The dedication, perseverance and ability to harness the goodwill of the community as shown by the board of Galway FC is an example to all of us.”
Other recipients of Mayor’s Awards for 2013 include Delo Collier for her contribution to Dúchas na Gaillimhe, Galway Civic Trust, and Galway Autism Partnership for its encouragement and support to families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD ).
More than 80 individuals and groups received certificates from the Mayor in celebration of voluntary activity in community life in the city. The winners of the individual awards remained a closely guarded secret until the ceremony itself which was held in the Radisson Blu Hotel in front of an audience of more than 300 people. The awards are organised by the Galway City Council.
The recipients in each of the categories were: Arts, Culture, Heritage & Cursaí Gaeilge Award – Mike Connell, Peter Connell, and Michael Lawless, in recognition of their commitment to highlight the historical connection between their community and the vibrant city of Menlo Park in California; Residents’ and Local Areas Award – Shantalla Residents Association for their commitment to making their environment the best that it can possibly be and for their enthusiasm to engage with all members of the community; Community Service and Social Inclusion – Blood Bike West for its dedicated service in transporting medical items to those who need them; Older Volunteer of the Year – Dello Collier for her many years of voluntary service with Dúchas na Gaillimhe, Galway Civic Trust, and her lifelong promotion of heritage in Galway; Sports Volunteer of the Year Award – John Creaven in recognition of his unfaltering dedication to developing the sport of judo in the city; Children and Youth Award – Galway Autism Partnership for its on-going support for families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD ) and its innovative approach to collaborative partnerships with service providers; and Young Volunteer of the Year – Hubert Dinnen-Creaven for his commitment and energy in working with many voluntary groups in Galway city.
Each of the winners received a Galway Crystal trophy and a cheque for €500.
