Ardee Municipal District Civic Awards 2023

The 2023 Ardee Municipal District Civic Awards took place last week on the evening of the 18 December 2023 in the foyer of Ardee Civic Offices.

The awards which are set by legislation under Section 74 of the Local Government Act 2001, as a reserved function, and reinforced by the Local Government Reform Act, 2014, Section 131 A(1)(b) allows Municipal Districts to hold and grant Municipal Awards annually to local individuals or groups. 

Following a nomination and consideration process; awards are granted to inspirational persons or groups, or those who achieve outstanding goals, demonstrate unwavering service to the community, and/or who represent the community nationally or internationally.

In short to people who help or inspire others and/or who make Ardee and the wider mid-Louth a great place to live.

The Ardee Municipal District which serves the whole of Mid-Louth has the following Councillors:

• Cllr Dolores Minogue - Cathaoirleach
• Cllr John Sheridan – Leas-Chathaoirleach
• Cllr Paula Butterly
• Cllr Bernie Conlon
• Cllr Pearse McGeough
• Cllr Jim Tenanty

All Councillors came together to nominate and unanimously agree 12 worthy recipients for the 2023 Ardee Municipal Civic Awards. 

Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Ms. Joan Martin, spoke of the gravitas of the award process, and how those nominees present should be proud of their achievements and community effort, congratulating them on being nominated for an award.

The Meeting Administrator of Louth County Council Gráinne Tuomey then called each of the nominees forward to be presented with their awards by Ardee MD Cathaoirleach Cllr Dolores Minogue.

They are as follows:

• Noel Rooney - In recognition of Noel's contribution to St. Mary's GFC and many charity initiatives.
• Bernie & Paddy Sherry - In recognition of Bernie and Paddy's many charity initiatives & events raising much needed funds for local charities.
• Leah Shevlin - In recognition of Leah's continued commitment to representing the youth and her dedication to volunteering in the Mid Louth Community
• Alan & Mags Murphy - In recognition of Alan & Mag's recent fundraising campaigns for Neonatal Units in the Lourdes & Rotunda Hospitals in memory of their late son Conall Murphy.
• Energy Team Dunleer - In recognition of the entire team's exceptional dedication to promoting renewable energy and raising awareness about energy action in County Louth.
• Seamus Farrelly - In recognition for his services to the people of Mid Louth through his many positions over the years.
• Peter McKenna - In recognition of Peter's contribution to the promotion of Irish Culture in Australia from 1951 to 1992.  RIP.
• Sandra Rogers - In recognition of the many years spent contributing to charities and community activities in the Mid Louth area
• Anne-Marie Ford - In recognition of her dedication towards  pupils and her commitment to ensuring children with additional needs are given the necessary supports to reach their full potential.
• Order of Malta - In recognition of the commitment and dedication of the Order of Malta volunteers who have been providing care to the community of Mid Louth since 1940
• Glyde Rangers GAA Team - In celebration of the Glyde Rangers team & mentors who were successful in securing the Louth Junior Championship following five years of persistent effort.
• Peter Murphy - In recognition of many years spent dedicated to the community of Collon

Light refreshments were served after the event allowing the award recipients time to catch up with other recipients and celebrate with families and friends.