BIG NIGHT FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS AT LOUTH PPN AWARDS
VOLUNTEERS from all over the county were honoured at the 2018 PPN awards night in Castlebellingham, their efforts hailed as vital in order to keep community projects running.
Cathaoirleach of the council, Liam Reilly, said that the Louth Volunteer Centre had brought ‘volunteering to the forefront’ and without them many communities ‘ would be lost.’
He feels that volunteering inspires ‘social awareness’ and covers a wide variety of services, from working with older people to youth clubs, sports and animals.
His own passion is tidy towns and it was great to see Drogheda, Dundalk, Ardee and Blackrock gain Gold Medals this year.
Louth CC Director of Services Frank Pentony spoke about the ‘feel good factor’ associated with volunteering and all 15 groups represented on the night were winners.
He highlighted the recent Fleadh Cheoil in Drogheda and how people came from Russia to be part of the 1,500 strong team.
‘ Tonight we honour people who give their time free of charge. It is fantastic that people find the time to do their bit,’ he explained.
Drogheda Independent Group Editor John Mulligan said the winners this year were just a reflection of the many who ‘do their bit’ around the county and he hoped that their success would inspire others to come on board and be part of organisations and groups.
He also mentioned the #JOURNALISM MATTERS campaign which highlights the efforts of local newspapers in their promotion of local news and how important that it is in the community.
‘ To all the winners, you deserve it, you make Louth and you make us proud.’