Beekeepers and GAA clubs among those recognised at Ardee Civic awards night

The 2022 Ardee Municipal District Civic Awards took place on Monday evening in the foyer of the Courthouse Ardee.

The awards which are set by legislation under Section 74 of the Local Government Act, as a reserved function, saw Ardee Municipal District Elected Members nominate 11 recipients for the 2022 Civic Awards. 

Following a nomination and consideration process; awards are granted to persons who demonstrate outstanding service to the community over a period of time, and/or who represent the community nationally or internationally.

In other words, those who Councillors consider put the Municipal District on the map and those who stand out for helping make and maintain mid-Louth as a great place to live.

On what was a freezing cold winters night, reportedly hitting lows of minus 5 degrees, the awards were a very well attended event which warmed the hearts of all who attended. 

The event compered by Gráinne Tuomey, Meeting Administrator, Louth County Council, saw Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District Cllr Paula Butterly comment on the depth and variety of those nominated by the MD Councillors and praise each on how they individually, or their group, enhanced the greater community. 

Chief Executive of Louth County Council Joan Martin praising those nominated that they should feel very proud as they were just 11 out of the whole population of mid-Louth who were specially chosen for their outstanding contribution to the area.

Those nominated were presented with their certificates by Cathaoirleach Cllr Butterly and following photographs all present enjoyed refreshments and a chance to catch up with old acquaintances and get to make new friends.

The winners on the night were:

• Leonard Hatrick- In recognition of his commitment and dedication to local politics and to serving the people of Mid Louth and Ardee
• Enda Matthews - In recognition of his work in the Reaghstown Community Area and life long commitment to education in the teaching profession
• Eoghan McCabe - In honour of his Special Recognition Award at the Foróige Youth Entrepreneur Awards for his charity event “Eoghan’s Home Run”.
• The Louth Beekeepers Association -In recognition of the commitment to the Native Irish Honey Bee (Apis
  Mellifera Mellifera) and biodiversity promotion and education in the face of the climate crisis.
• St Vincent DePaul Dunleer - In recognition of the contribution and commitment of St. Vincent de Paul to the community of Dunleer and Mid Louth over the past three decades.
• Padraig McCullough - In recognition of his dedication and commitment to Tredagh Boxing Academy and being an inspiration to young and older people within the community.  
• SAFE (Suicide Awareness for Everyone) - In recognition of the fundraising undertaken to open and maintain a 24 hour phone line and mobile unit for anyone affected by mental health issues
• Stabannon Parnells GFC- In recognition of the tireless work of Kelly Halpenny as facilitated by Stabannon Parnell’s GFC to initiate and run an inclusive summer camp for children with disabilities.
• Tommy Burns - In recognition of his contribution to the local community and particularly his devotion to his beloved GAA Club Glyde Rangers.
• Ardee and District Cancer Support Group - In recognition of Ardee & District Cancer Support in their establishment of a centre to support those living with cancer and their loved ones.
• St Marys GFC - In recognition of a successful year for all teams and mentors of St Mary’s GFC, particularly in celebration of the Senior Team bringing the Joe Ward cup back to Ardee after 27 years.