Recognition for Nessa at Sail Training Ireland’s Awards
LOCAL woman Nessa Lally was recognised for her dedication and passion for the ‘Drogheda Sail Training Bursary’ project as she scooped the Special Contribution Award at Sail Training Ireland’s Annual Awards Ceremony which took place in the Mansion House in Dublin on Saturday, January 27th.
Bettystown native Nessa, an employee of Drogheda Port Company has worked on the ‘Drogheda Sail Training Bursary’ since its inception in 2013.
CEO of Sail Training Ireland, Daragh Sheridan expressed his gratitude for Nessa’s hard work in the promotion of Sail Training on the east coast and beyond before presenting her award with the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
Commenting on her award, Ms Lally said: ‘I am very proud of the fact that the Drogheda Bursary Scheme was the first of its kind in Ireland and it has led others all over the country to follow its footsteps. I am delighted to receive this award.’
She took to the podium to speak about the Drogheda Sail Training Bursary, informing the packed room that prior to 2013, Maritime facilities for such opportunities as this in Drogheda were non-existent and the Drogheda Port Company set out to change that through Sail Training. Since then just over 100 local youngsters have been offered this rare and influential experience that often has a profoundly positive effect on their outlook on life and career choices. Some of these trainees have progressed to longer voyages on bigger tall ships, and others are now sitting on the Sail Training Ireland Youth Council.