Westport Chamber of Commerce has paid tribute to local employer and business owner, Michael Moran, after presenting him with a Special Award in recognition of his five decades of dedicated service to his adopted town.
The Louisburgh native, together with his wife Bridie, established Moran Electrical Services Ltd in 1973 and over the years, along with his family, expanded the business to a concern of more than 100 employees.
Moran Electrical Services Ltd - now Moran Electrical Engineers and Contractors - based in Knockranny, Westport, primarily concentrates on larger commercial and industrial and infrastructural projects countrywide while providing electrical maintenance services to customers in the western region, but nonetheless, no job is too great or too small either - as Michael is known as a man-about-town involved in overseeing everything from the electrical workings of the Christmas lights to the installation of street-lighting, CCTV and public address systems - ensuring so many recreational, religious and visitor events in the popular tourist town go ahead without a hitch.
Michael and Bridie Moran are well known in Westport and beyond for their involvement and support of all things community. While 'unofficially' retired, Michael still journeys daily to his home-from-home to 'check in with the lads' and loves nothing more than to retreat to his 'den' in the evenings where he indulges in his love for books and reading.
Following the presentation as part of the Mayo Business Awards 2022, a delighted Michael told the Mayo Advertiser that the award meant the world to him, saying: "When you are acknowledged by your peers it's just lovely. I didn't expect it and it means a lot. Certainly, I have got a number of awards in my lifetime for things I have been involved in but it is the local one that means the most because it is from your peers and the local town - and that is something special.
"Westport is my adopted town as I was born in Louisburgh, which I love very much, but I also just love Westport town and the people in it. It's a lovely town and I'm very lucky to live here among the best of people and friends."
Westport Town Hall Theatre was the location for the presentation of the awards on Friday last where the business achievements of many established businesses with valued staff and strong customer service were handed out. The event was officiated over by Mayo County Council Leas Cathaoirleach John Caulfield, and hosted by local business woman, Keira Keogh.
Westport Chamber extended thanks to all involved who made the event such a success, including the team at Westport Town Hall Theatre, Alphamedia video production, generous award sponsors, and Mayo Crystal, who provided the diamond-cut trophies for award-winners.
Announcing Michael Moran as a Special Award winner, Westport Chamber stated that it 'wanted to acknowledge the commitment and sheer hard work for the past 50 years of one of their members, Michael Moran, a well loved and well known businessman in Westport and beyond'.
Helen Gavin, President of Westport Chamber, delivered a sincere and emotional dedication speech on presenting the award to Michael, who was there with his wife and family, and the event concluded with the presentation of the Neill O'Neill Lifetime Achievement Award - which was awarded to Noel Kavanagh of the Kavanagh Group, presented by Bernard Hughes, President of Castlebar Chamber and Aoife O'Neill.
Accepting his award, Noel Kavanagh took his place at the podium to the sound of rapturous applause, and in a poignant tribute, remarked that both the late Neill O'Neill and his beloved son Mark, had been 'the best of friends', during their lifetimes.
Full details of the awards and video can be viewed at www.mayo.ie
