Nominations sought for Mayo People of the Year Awards
At the launch of the 2022 Rehab Mayo People of the Year Awards in Breaffy House Resort were, from left, Tom Gillespie, Rehab fundraiser, Councillor Ger Deere, Councillor Donna Sheridan,
Edel Cadden, Rehab, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, leas-cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council, Marie Breslin, Rehab, and Bernard Hughes, The Connaught Telegraph, chairman of the organising
committee and president of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce. Photo: Frank Dolan
By Tom Gillespie
THE leas-cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, officially launched the 28rd annual Mayo People of the Year Awards at
a reception in Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar, last night.
The event is organised by RehabCare, Mayo County Council and The Connaught Telegraph.
Councillor Kilcoyne outlined the many categories, stating: “The Hall of Fame section, which was introduced in 2004 to recognise the work of an individual
or group who have given years of unstinting service to their organisation, community, county or country, will again be part of the proceedings.
“In order to recognise the contribution of young people to our society a young person or youth group of the year will be presented, with an award at the gala
banquet in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar, on Friday night, November 11.
“The much sought after Michael Davitt International Award has proven a great boost to emigrants who have excelled in their adopted countries and who, the
organisers feel, should be singled out for their achievements.
“Likewise, a business community liaison award, initiated some years ago, will also be up for grabs in November.
“In addition to this, a number of Mayo People of the Year Awards will be presented at a banquet.
“The Gradam na Gaeilge award – recognising the positive contribution that is being made by an individual in the promotion and furtherance of the Irish
language and culture in Mayo – will also feature.
“This section proved a tremendous success and we look forward to a large entry for this award.
“Any person or organisation within Mayo who, in the view of the nominating person or organisation, has made an outstanding contribution at local level,
can be put forward.
“Their attributes can range from leadership, job creation, youth projects, economic development, professional and cultural development, pioneering or
outstanding work in the education or environmental field.
“Likewise, those who work with the disabled or underprivileged or who have shown courage, persistence and dedication can be nominated.
“Mayo County Council are proud to be involved as a sponsor, and hoped to continue that involvement into the future.”
On behalf of The Connaught Telegraph, Bernard Hughes, advertising manager and chairman of the organising committee, said: “We are proud to be
associated with this event since its inauguration and we are delighted to see that it is undoubtedly growing in strength and profile and has done so in
very challenging times particularly over recent years. We can say without contradiction that this event is now one of the most prestigious on the social
calendar of Mayo.
“This year the organising committee, chaired by myself, in association with Edel Cadden from RehabCare, and former chairman Tom Gillespie, are
planning for the biggest and most successful of this awards event to date.
“We don’t forget that individuals and local groups, working hard locally and voluntarily, being recognised is the heart of what these awards are about
and within this process raising much need funding, all of which is channeled to the provision of RehabCare services in Castlebar and Mayo.
“We thank very much the backing of Mayo County Council, in particular the chief executive, Mr. Kevin Kelly, for their support and organisation and to
the RehabCare team.
“For our part, we at The Connaught Telegraph remain 100 per cent committed to the good work that local RehabCare does and again pledge our full
support to the project.”
Ms. Edel Cadden, coordinator, Mayo home support PA services, RehabCare, thanked Councillor Weir and The Connaught Telegraph for their expressions
of ongoing support for the running of the awards.
She added: “It is important that the public who support RehabCare in Mayo through these awards and the raffle are aware that all the funds raised in Mayo
go towards the provision of services for the 200 service users at our headquarters at Breaffy Road, Castlebar.”
The closing date for the receipt of entries is Wednesday, October 13, and the names of the recipients will be announced on Wednesday, October 19.
Nomination forms are now available from RehabCare, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, from Mayo County Council, from the offices of The Connaught Telegraph
or online at con-telegraph.ie.
Entry Form can be downloaded here Mayo People of the Year Nomination 2022