Who is your community hero in Co Kildare? REHAB Kildare seeking person of the year nominations now!

Who are the unsung heroes in your community? The beavers who quietly support voluntary sporting organisations, special needs' services, support the elderly or indeed, may have contributed to your local area by giving employment, getting a local project up and running or perhaps, do parish work which improves everybody's quality of life.

New Mayor of Kildare, Cllr Ivan Keatley launched this year’s Co Kildare People of the Year Awards recently at Aras Chill Dara, Naas. Whilst Matt and the Mayor are photographed arm-wrestling here, the final selection of Kildare's Number 1 hero will be selected by an independent committee. Joining Mayor Keatley was Matt Browne, Awards Co-ordinator and the first recipient of the county awards title.

“I am delighted to perform this function as Mayor” said Cllr Keatley. “Recognising the many sterling volunteers within communities across the county is vitally important. There are so many individuals and voluntary groups who provide essential support services, from a social perspective, sporting, community, special needs and particularly during recessionary times, fundraising to maintain these services”.

Joining the Mayor was MC and main organiser, Matt Browne; Community Liaison Officer, Edel Browne Curran and PRO, Rose B O’Donoghue.

The Awards Committee are asking KildareNow readers to submit nominations for their community heroes on or before August 20, 2016. You can write directly to Matt at 12 Otomy Drive, Clane, Co Kildare or see the form in this week's Kildare Post and other local press. Alternatively, send your nomination via email to Matt at [email protected] or phone 087 265 4582.

“The criteria is simple” said Awards Co-Ordinator Matt Browne “If a person contributes to your community via voluntary work with a sporting club, community project, ongoing fundraising, or any group that benefits youth, special needs, the elderly, etc – and you feel they should be thus recognised, then contact us please.

The committee is seeking nominations for a youth award, a young person or club who have shown exceptional dedication in supporting or managing worthwhile community projects. Sponsored by Kildare County Council and organised by REHAB with long-term sponsors such as Joe Mallon Motors, Naas Printing, Business Excellence, the Awards Committee acknowledges the support of local media and photographers Dessie Boland and Pat Tinsely.

Previous winners included Dave Maher of Monasterevin (2014), Maureen Abbott (2013), Naas Care of the Aged, Geraldine O’Hanlon of Kildare Animal Foundation, Sister Consilio of Cuan Mhuire, James Nolan for his work with the Irish Kidney Association, Orla Tinsley (Cystic Fibrosis); Marc de Salvo (Autism awareness) and Hope (D) for their work in providing services in the area of mental health and supporting families affected by suicide. The overall winner will be announced at a Gala Banquet in Hotel Keadeen on Friday, November 4, 2016.