Twenty six people nominated for 2024 Offaly Person of the Year and Unsung Hero awards

THE sub-committee of the Offaly Association (Dublin), responsible for the selection of the 2024 Person of the Year and Unsung Hero awards, are facing a difficult task as they start of the process of deciding who will be the recipient ofthe awards at a gala function in the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore on Saturday, 5 April.

Chairperson of the sub-committee, Mr Liam Fleury said: "Once again the people of Offaly have nominated many worthy recipients of both awards and it will take us a number of meetings before we come to a final decision."

Along with Mr Fleury, on the selection committee are Pat Teehan, Noel McCann, Ger Scully and Peter Carter.

The nominees

The people nominated are: Jude Feehan, Clara/Ferbane for his work with Community Games;

Cian Crampton, Clonbullogue on his selection as Schools Athlete of the Year;

Gary Farrell, Rhode for his work with Scolosis Ireland;

Alan Fox, the founder/owner of Willow company;

Rev Alan Melbourne, north Offaly, for his work in the community;

Michael Carroll, Tullamore for his work with Offaly Hospice;

Bernie Ryan, west Offaly for her work as an SNA;

David O'Malley, Edenderry on his success in winning a national First Responders award;

Yvonne Farrell, Tullamore, the award winning architect and designer of the new pan for Tullamore Harbour;

Anne Starling, Tullamore for her work in numerous groups;

Nicole Turner, Garryhinch in recognition of her success as a Paraolympian from which she has retired;

Donal Lunney for his contribution to music;

John Condron, Tullamore for his work in the business community;

Molly Buckley, Tullamore for her work in the community;

Barry Cowen on his election as the first MEP from Offaly;

Johnny McEvoy for his contribution to music;

Grainne Walsh, Tullamore in recognition of her success as an Olympian;

Emily O'Reilly, Tullamore for her work as a journalist and Ombudsman;

Megan Burns, Tullamore for her success in rugby;

Megan Armitage, Shinrone for her success in cycling;

Jordan Conroy, Tullamore for his success as an Olympian;

Alex Dunne, Clonbullogue on his success a winning a seat in Formula 2 motor racing;

Darragh Kenny, Belmont on his success in show jumping;

Salters Sterling, Birr for his work with the church and voluntary groups;

Padraig O Duffaigh for his work with Comhaltas;

Charlie Finlay, Cappincur for his voluntary work with various groups.

The awards will be presented at a gal function in The Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore on Saturday, 5 April. Keep the date free in your diary.

Tickets costing €50 will be on sale very shortly.