Efforts shine as the Longford Volunteer Awards announce the winners

placeholder image — It took place at the Longford Arms Hotel, where groups and individuals were recognised

It took place at the Longford Arms Hotel, where groups and individuals were recognised

Edgeworthstown’s Pauline Flood was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Longford Volunteer Centre Volunteer Awards which were presented at a lovely ceremony in the Longford Arms Hotel last Thursday night, January 29.

Fifteen awards were presented on a night which celebrated the enthusiasm and dedication of volunteers across the county.

Gerry Smyth, Coordinator with Longford Volunteer Centre, said “We received a high number of nominations and the judging panel had the hard task of choosing our amazing recipients.”

Mr Smyth continued, “Sometimes it is said that it is easy to sit up and take notice. What is difficult is standing up and taking action. This evening we celebrated the fact that someone stood up and took that action and this evening we celebrated enthusiasm, commitment and sheer hard work and I think we’ve all seen that volunteering helps us to build stronger communities by strengthening cohesion, solidarity and inclusion and it can break down barriers so that we have a greater understanding and tolerance between different groups in society.”

Mr Smyth said he was very fortunate to have a great team of Verona Gray ( Volunteer Support Worker), Oleksandra Kurova (Ukraine/New Communities Support Worker) and Bronwyn Slevin (Outreach and Development Officer). “I would like to convey to them a massive thank you in helping to organise the awards and for all their day to day hard work and contributions which help make the volunteer centre the invaluable resource that it is today.”

Mr Smyth concluded, “ We would also like to thank Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh for presenting the awards and to Mary Finnegan, our chairperson, for speaking tonight on behalf of all the Board Members. Lastly, a massive thanks to C.E.O. Adrian Greene and SICAP Programmes Manager Margaret Walsh for all the help and support and to all our colleagues in Longford Community Resources Clg.”

Award Recipients

Lifetime Achievement Award: Pauline Flood

Individuals

Pride in the Community: Lalin Swaris

Arts & Culture: Sadia Athar Butt

Campaign & Activism: Christine O’Mahony

Children and Youth: Sandra Janova

Community Support: Mick Joyce

Health and Well-Being: Marion Prendergast

Social Inclusion: Olga Croitoru

Safety and Emergency Services: Yvonne Leslie

Sports and Recreation: Tom Cunningham