Galway volunteers shortlisted for national community awards

A Connacht rugby star is one of four Galwegians shortlisted for prestigious awards – thanks to their commitment to charity and their local communities.

The four have made the final 30 from over 300 nominations to be in with a shot of winning one of this year’s Volunteer Ireland Awards.

And what they all share is a dedication and a willingness to forgo their own personal time to help others.

Galway’s four finalists include Connacht Rugby’s Ronan Loughney, nominated in the Arts, Culture & Media category for his work with the Blue Teapot Theatre Company; Frank Downes for his service to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind; Marie Cahill, a volunteer with the Galway Parkinsons Association, and NUIG student Barry Foley who volunteers with Ability West.

Connacht rugby player Ronan Loughney

Frank, Marie and Barry are all nominated in the Health & Disability category – the only three nominees, guaranteeing a Galway win in that section.

Connacht rugby player Ronan Loughney has had a huge impact on the Blue Teapot Theatre Company.

Ronan is the head volunteer with the Bright Soul programme at the theatre which is a creative outlet for adults with moderate intellectual disabilities.  He is passionate about encouraging participants to express themselves, while he also deals with any challenging behaviour, providing the care required to overcome any difficulties.

Frank Downes has been volunteering with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in Galway for over 36 years. In the past fifteen years alone, he has raised over €1.5 million for the charity.

One of his most successful events for 25 years has been the Amphicat which takes people in plastic canoes out onto various stretches of the River Corrib. It is hugely popular and has raised hundreds of thousands for the charity. Marie Cahill has been volunteering with the Galway Parkinson’s Association for over eight years and her impact has been significant.

A number of family members of clients have commented that she has completely changed the lives of her clients such is her dedication and commitment. She has a unique manner which is appreciated by both clients and family members alike.

Barry Foley is a mature student in NUI Galway who has been volunteering with Ability West since 2011.

He is a qualified fitness instructor and brings a number of groups with intellectual disabilities to the gym, develops work out plans for individuals and encourages them to see it through.  In the centres, he encourages and promotes healthy living lifestyles.

During the month of August when services are closed, he organises gym sessions for service users to attend so that they can continue their work out sessions and stay active while on their holidays.

Galway Volunteer Centre Manager Donncha Foley said they were thrilled to celebrate these volunteers and their dedication to their causes.

“Thousands of people volunteer across the country each day and they really are the unsung heroes that drive our communities. This is a chance for us to recognise some exceptional volunteers and really celebrate volunteering in Ireland,” he said.

Galway’s unsung heroes will be celebrated at a special ceremony in City Hall, Dublin on December 2.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering in Galway, visit www.volunteergalway.ie