John Walkin, the angling enthusiast who is credited with helping Ballina achieve its 'Salmon Capital of Ireland' title, has been named Mayo Person of the Year 2014.
He joins some of the county's most highly regarded individuals, such as former president of Ireland Mary Robinson, Knock airport pioneer Monsignor James Horan and music mogul Louis Walsh, as the new Mayo Association of Dublin Virginia Gallagher Award winner.
Mr Walkin has worked for many years to promote angling tourism in north Mayo, bringing major national and international events and competitions to the region.
He was chairman of the North Western Regional Fisheries Board for 15 years.
He is also known for his charitable work as the founder of Croí in Ballina.
Winners of this year's Meitheal Award, which celebrates community spirit and cooperation, are the organisers and participants of a Charlestown charity fundraiser for the local school, St. Attracta's NS.
The award winners will be officially honoured at a banquet ball in Dublin on February 8.
