Search for 2025 Offaly Person of the Year and Unsung Hero launched

THE search for the 2025 Offaly Person of the Year and 2024 Unsung Hero of Offaly 2025 is now officially on.

The awards were launched at a reception in the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, on Wednesday evening last by the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr John Leahy.

The awards are organised by a sub-committee of the Offaly Association (Dublin) and will be presented at a gala dinner in the Bridge House Hotel on April 11 next.

Members of the public can nominate their choice for both awards in the special coupon published in the local press and return to the organisers by January 30 next.

The 2024 Offaly Person of the Year was awarded to Nicole Turner, the paralympian swimmer from Garryhinch, and while the 2024 Unsung Hero of Offaly, was Padraig O Dufaigh, the Birr based Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann and traditional music champion.

Among those in attendance at the launch were Deputy Carol Nolan, Cllr Declan Harvey, Cathaoirleach, Tullamore Municipal District and other local public representatives, past Offaly Person of the Year, Dr Philip Brady, the President of Tullamore Lions Club, Dymphna Bracken and the President of Tullamore and District Chamber of Commerce, Caroline Collins Murphy.

Speaking at the launch the Chairman of the selection committee, Liam Fleury recalled, "The Person of the Year award was introduced in 1988 and has continued to go from strength to strength each year."

"Offaly people nominate who they think is a deserving winner of each award which acknowledge people who do a lot of work for the county behind the scenes.

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"My thanks to the local media for their continued support and to Noel Tynan, The Celt Bar, Talbot Street, Dublin for his loyal and generous sponsorship of the awards over the year," he added.

"My thanks also to the management and staff of the Bridge House Hotel for facilitating our meetings and for hosting the awards night each year."

Mr Fleury pointed out that the Offaly Association hosts an annual golf classic to raise funds for Offaly GAA and this year's event proved very successful.

Cllr John Leahy, formally launching the awards, said, "The Offaly Person of the Year award is a very prestigious award as is the Unsung Hero award, both of which acknowledge the many wonderful people who have done so much to promote the county and work to develop their local communities.

"The Offaly Association deserve great praise for keeping the award going for so long and I can assure you that the award presentation night is a very special and enjoyable occasion."

"Over the year the recipients of this award have truly embodied the spirit of Offaly. Their contributions have been outstanding, making a lasting impact on our county and further afield.

"As we begin this year's journey, I look forward to celebrating those who exemplify the values and heart of Offaly."

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