Noel’s deserved civic honour
He has earned the reputation as the parish’s foremost historian and written two books on the history of the parish. He also has compiled a number of books of poetry, which he has also published and among his other accomplishments are to deliver several public talks on local historic events and history.
It wouldn’t take too much guessing to come up with his name - certainly for anybody with a cursory knowledge of the area.
What’s more Noel Sharkey is the mildest and most soft spoken of individuals and universally respected and held in the highest regard. The debt that he is owed in what is his labour of love in passing on his unique knowledge and sharing the large research he has undertaken will never be repaid.
He was born in Crumlin and lived on the Blackrock side of the Dublin Road which gave him an unrivalled insight into the community. He has provided a wealth of knowledge that will remain an invaluable reference source.
At the same time he has also donated what proceeds have been derived from his writing to charity.
So there could not be a more obvious and worthy choice from the area to receive a civic award for his contribution to arts, local culture and poetry. He was the first such recipient from the parish, when he was among those honoured by Dundalk Municipal District Council.
The awards were only inaugurated last year, and local Councillor Maria Doyle nominated Noel.