The first Knockanrawley Resource Centre (KRC) Community and Volunteer Awards Ceremony took place on Wednesday, July 26.
Teresa Normile welcomed the packed attendance and thanked all those who support the Centre and its many services.
“The reason this came about is because there are so many amazing people doing such great work in the Centre and this is an occasion to celebrate, to recognise and to acknowledge all the support and services that you are providing to your own communities, to KRC and to others,” said Teresa.
Julie Gallagher from the KRC Board of Management spoke about the history of the Centre and those who had been involved in its formation.
It is run by the community for the community.
The excellent facilities and the wide range of services and resources that are available at KRC are an invaluable asset to the community.
KRC understands the challenges and stresses that people within our community face on a daily basis.
“Our holistic support and services are adaptive, relevant and responsive to the complex multi-generational needs of families within our community,” said Julie.
The special guest at the ceremony was Irish and Tipperary actress, Rachel Pilkington.
Rachel acted as Master of Ceremonies for the event and also presented the awards.
A native of Tipperary Town Rachel is very well known from the TV role of Jane Black, which she played in the RTÉ soap opera Fair City from 2013 until her departure from the show earlier this year.
A Wellbeing Coordinator in the Screen Sector, Rachel began with a quotation:
“I am just going to say one of my favourite quotes, and it is a quote by the Dalai Lama; ‘The planet does not need more successful people, the planet desperately needs more peacemakers, more healers, restorers, story tellers, and lovers of all kinds’ and for me that’s what you all are, all of you who volunteer and give of your time and upskill and self develop. You are the people who contribute to greater peace and love in the world and whether your name is called out for an award today or not is almost irrelevant because you all give in ways and I believe that the volunteers in the world are always the unsung heroes. There are so many ways we can give in life, through money, through our words, throughout time, and no one is more important than the other. It all matters and it is all so important,” said Rachel.
The nominees and winners in the various categories were announced by Rachel and the nominees were presented with certificates along with awards for the category winners.
Supporting Community Integration Award - Gráinne Nic Dhomhnaill
Sustainable Development Goal Champion - Timmy White
Most Supportive Employer - Maria Lyons
Parental Involvement - Mary Minchin
Most Supportive Tutor - Olivia Thorpe
Community Engagement and Innovation - Tuesday Women’s Group
Local Community Group - Tipperary Community Food
Lifelong Learner - Michael Bourke
Progression in Training - Craig Doyle Carroll
Work Ready - Chloe McEniry
Academic Excellence - Toni Ryan
Progression to Employment - Adrian O'Connor
Local Community Activist of the Year - Jean Nelson
SICAP Volunteer of the Year - Mike Bourke
KRC Lifetime Achievement Award - Timmy White
In conclusion Mary Moloney from KRC congratulated all the nominees and winners and expressed thanks to their funders; Department of Social Protection, Pobal, SICAP, South Tipperary Development Company, Tipperary ETB, Solas and the Department of Education, TUSLA, Tipperary County Council, Edmund Rice Trust, Tipperary LEADER Programme and the County Childcare Committee.
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