Galway’s People of the Year honoured

Date Published: 19-Nov-2009

The Rehab Galway people of the YearAwards were presented last Saturday night at a glittering gala Banquet and black tie presentation in the Clayton hotel attended by 485 supporters and guests.

Among those in attendance were the Mayors of Galway City and County, Cllrs Declan McDonnell and Tom McHugh, and Minister Eamonn ó CuÍv.

A number of people travelled home from various parts of the world to attend the prestigious event including a large contingent from the Galway Association in London.

All the winners who were accompanied by family friends and supporters were nominated by the public for their work and contribution in a variety of fields which contributed to the betterment of the lives of people in their communities.

Speaking at the function Rehab organiser Ollie Robinson said the awards had once again captured the imagination of the Galway public with a massive response to the request for nominations.

He said that over the years the contribution – social, economic, educational, sporting or cultural – of the people who drive Galway’s communities at home and abroad are recognised by what is now the highest accolade a person can receive in the county.

All of the winners are selected by the public through a nomination process and decided by the adjudication committee of Dr Jack McCann, Mary Bennett and Cllr Liam Carroll. prior to the presentation of each award a short DVD resume of each winner’s contribution was shown on four large screens in the function room.

Ernesto Antonio, a heart transplant recipient formerly of Bushypark and now living in England, received the Lohan’s, Prospect Hill award for his great work in promoting organ donor awareness by running in marathons and other events.

Sean Burke from Moylough received the Doonmood Nurseries and Garden Centre Award as the driving force behind the Galway Association in London.

Former IFA president John Donnelly, who is also a Cancer Care West fundraiser, was presented with the Galway County Council Award by Mayor of County Galway, Cllr Tom McHugh.

Galway football Board chairman John Joe Halloran was honoured for his tireless work for charity with the Galway Irish Crystal Award, presented by Tex Callaghan.

Tom Grealy from Galway city was presented with his award by Pauline Crowley, head of fundraising with the Rehab Group, for his help and support for many groups and individuals.

Kathy Eastwood from Oranmore received the HSE Award for her work in the area of Mental health.

Seventeen year old Kim Moore from Menlough, who was described as a role model for young people, received the Royal Rock Award from John Mannion.

Margaret Tierney Smith, who has done so much to develop and promote Console in Galway, was presented with her award by Kevin Clancy of the Rehab group.

Tommy Kelly from Renmore was presented with the Medtronic award by Ailish O’Sullivan for his work with Western Alzheimer’s Association.

The Special Merit group Award went to the crew of the Galway RNLI Lifeboat and was presented to Mike Swan, Declan Killilea and Seamus Carter by Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Declan McDonnell.

And to cap it all, the three people responsible for the Galway Volvo Ocean stopover – John Killeen, Enda ó Coinneen and Eamonn Conneelly – received a standing ovation as they received the Special Achievement Award from Failte Ireland CEO, Fiona Monaghan.

Compere for the night was Keith Finnegan of Galway Bay fm.