NEW ROSS HONOURS LOCAL ACHIEVERS AT CIVIC AWARDS CEREMONY
MEMBERS of the New Ross community who have excelled in the sports, business and community sectors were honoured at a civic awards ceremony in the Brandon House Hotel recently.
Following an introduction by District Manager Sinead Casey and An Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Sheehan, prizewinners were welcomed to the stage to receive their awards.
Tadgh Furlong received an award for his performance in the 2015 Rugby World Cup and his Ireland Rugby Union caps. Though he was unable to attend on the evening, his mother Margaret Furlong collected the prize.
Aoibhan Dolan was next to receive an award for 50 years of service to the New Ross Sea Scouts.
Next up was Courtney Smith who was commended for receiving the title of Irish National Minus 51 kg Champion and World Minus 51 kg Bronze Medallist. Cllr Oisin O’Connell then presented Mark Doyle, Conor Murphy, Dean O’Neill and Jimmy Goggins with awards for their success in the All Ireland Handball Championships last year. Mark and Conor also received awards for winning the boys under 13 doubles National Cuman na mBunscoil 40x20 Handball. Mark Doyle is also the world under 13 doubles winner, with Josh Kavanagh, St Joseph’s Wexford in Calgary, Canada
Barry McWilliams also received recognition for his handball success when he received an award. He was the All-Ireland Masters Singles ‘B’ (Over 40) 40x20 Handball Winner, as well as the All Ireland 60X30, 35 and over doubles winner with Gavin Buggy, St Joseph’s, Wexford.
Robert Doyle collected an award for receiving the World Title 45 and over ‘B’singles and All Ireland 40 x20 45 and Over ‘B’ singles title. Meanwhile, Ryan Carthy Walsh received recognition for his achievements in high jump and athletics. In archery, Shannonn Mernagh was awarded for achieving the title of European Gold Medallist 2014.
John Whelan collected a prize for becoming a national and world champion in the ploughing. Matt Ryan then received an award on behalf of the New Ross and District Pipe Band.
Matty English received recognition as CEO of the Special Olympics, while Emmett O’Connell was applauded for being inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame 2015. Grace Banville was then congratulated for her kickboxing achievements, while Joanne Richards received applause for her contribution to the world of boxing.
On behalf of Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School, who were National Winners of Young Social Innovators 2015/16, Amy Hogan received an award. Good Counsel football and hurling team captains Daragh Lyons and Andrew Walsh respectively were presented with awards for becoming all-Ireland title winners.
Finally, founder of Men’s Shed Association and Person of the Year 2015 John Evoy was celebrated for his community contributions. Though he was unable to attend, his award was introduced and acknowledged by the District Manager.