Dermot crowned Bray Person of the Year at the Chamber Endeavour Awards

INSPIRATIONAL and popular youth leader Dermot O’Brien has been named Bray Person of the Year at the 2016 Bray Endeavour Awards, presented by Bray & District Chamber and sponsored by Commscope.

The awards were presented last Friday at a gala awards ceremony in front of an audience of nearly 200 guests at The Royal Hotel.

Bray Chamber President Mick Glynn said: ‘We were extremely proud to be honouring our local heroes here in Bray. Over the past three decades, we’ve presented awards to some of the most inspirational local heroes, groups and businesses who have contributed so much to the rich fabric of our community life here in Bray.’

During what was an often highly-emotional presentation ceremony, Person of the Year Dermot O’Brien and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Joe Bollard each received standing ovations from the assembled audience for their contributions to the local and national community.

This year Bray Chamber received the largest ever number of nominations for the Endeavour Awards. The nominations from across the community were made following a public awareness campaign, during which the people of Bray were invited to nominate their civic, cultural, community heroes.

There were over 5,000 public votes for the retailer of the year. The winner Fleurtique Florists received nearly 50 per cent of the votes. The other public selection award for hospitality and tourism went to The Harbour Bar.

Emerging business of the year winner was Cairnhill Nursing Home, while the established business of the year winner was Wicklow Wolf.

Mary Savage received a special chamber award, and paralympian Gary Mesett received a sports achievement. Soccer star Darren Randolph was the winner of the President’s Award. Bray North School Completion Programme got the Civic and Community Award; while Tola Adebisi and James Carvill received the award for Young Achievers through sports and Academics.

Each award winner was presented with a trophy commissioned by Bray Chamber.

Maire O’Neill, Ben Duncan, Arlene McMahon, Brian McMahon, Rita McMahon, Lily McMahon, Brigid Burke and Daire McMahon from Cairnhill Nursing Home.

Person of the Year Dermot O’Brien receives his award from Phyl Farrelly and Ciaran Doyle of Commscope.

Quincy Fennelly from double award-winning Wicklow Wolf with Phyl Farrelly and Mick Glynn, President of Bray Chamber.

Award winner Gary Messett with Hollie Davies and Jackie Messett.

Anne and Ed Randolph, parents to award-winner Darren Randolph.

Tommy Hanratty and Ken Hind from Everest Cycles.

Eamonn Flynn and Alicja Winkler from Tax Assist.