Some 630 people arose as one to give a standing ovation to the eleven winners of Donegal County Council/Rehab "People of the Year Awards", 2006 on Saturday night at a glittering Gala Banquet in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny.
This year marks the twelfth anniversary of the Awards and it has now become the single biggest event to take place in the county. The 11 award winners, who reflect a broad spectrum of life in the county and were nominated for contributions to development of the county, sport, tourism, Irish culture, the fishing industry and community and cancer charity work among others.
The Mayor of Donegal County Council, who are the primary sponsors of the Awards Scheme, Councillor Enda Bonner said all of the those nominated on an annual basis had given up so much of their own time to work and contribute in a voluntary capacity to a range of endeavours that ultimately benefit both the local community and the county as a whole.
"The Donegal County Council/REHAB People of the Year Awards is an important way of recognising and acknowledging the spirit of volunteerism that is so important in our community," Mayor Bonner said.
Congratulating the winners, Cllr Bonner also acknowledged the work of the organisers of this event in particular Amanda Crawford, Rehab's NW Regional Coordinator and Aideen Doherty, of Community, Culture and Enterprise Dept of Donegal County Council.
In commenting on the Council's fifth year as primary sponsor of the event Michael O'hEanaigh, Director of Community Culture and Enterprise outlined the Council's commitment and support for the event.
"The Council is committed to supporting all forms of community, social and economic development in the County. It is fitting that the elected members of the Council acknowledge, through the corporate sponsorship of the Rehab People of the Year Awards, the importance of the people who have made and continue to make a positive contribution to their community," Mr O'hEanaigh said.
AWARDS WINNERS
Awards winners for this year were Conal Shovlin from Ardara, for his work with the Dolman Centre and many community initiatives in Ardara; Anna Nallen, Letterkenny for her work with and for the homeless of the county through the setting up of the Colmcille Hostel in Letterkenny; Peadar McGranaghan, Castlefin for his lifetime work with youth and sport in the Finn Valley and Pat Doherty, Isle of Doagh, for his innovative Famine Village and Santa Lapland Village and encouragement of tourism in Inishowen.
Stephen McCahill was awarded for his tremendous work with numerous voluntary and community bodies in the Ardara area; Grace Greene, Burtonport, who, though diagnosed with breast cancer herself, worked tirelessly to raise funds for other cancer sufferers and Hugo Boyle, Carrigart, who has worked throughout his lifetime for the community of Carrigart to provide a Fire Brigade and lifesaving services there.
Teish McDaid, Glengad, Inishowen, a special needs assistant who is the driving force in her community to revitalise and provide facilities and services for her community was also the recipient of an award as were George Gallagher, Inver an advocate for the inshore traditional fishing industry and community activist, Jean Winston, Ramelton, organiser of the Ramelton Town Hall rebuilding drive and community activities and Paddy Harte, Jnr., the man credited with promoting and revitalising many Donegal community initiatives through his work with the International Fund for Ireland.
Amanda Crawford, Rehab also made an twelfth award when she presented Letterbrick man, Danny McGlynn with a special presentation for "his many years of supporting not just REHAB, but every charity operating in the county, through his work in organising church Gate collections and fundraising drives in his area".
Amanda also paid tribute to volunteers throughout Donegal, who have helped over decades to collect much-needed funds to help Rehab – and other charities – and appealed for others people in the county, particularly young people, to give of their time and effort to help the voluntary sector. Thanking the Master of Ceremonies Art Kavanagh, who devotes much time and thought to his work, and is Chairman of the organising Committee, Ms Crawford also paid tribute to the Board of Adjudicators and the volunteers who help her out each year with the final preparations for the event.
The awards are supported by the Donegal Democrat/Derry Journal group of newspapers.
