‘GENUINE, DEPENDABLE, MODEST’

15-YEAR-OLD KILFLYNN BOY AN ASSETT TO HIS COMMUNITY, SCHOOL, AND NEIGHBOURS

FRESH from a weekend at the fabled National Coursing in Clonmel, 15-year-old Timmy Dillon is in relaxed form as he talks to The Kerryman.

Had we spoken to him on Friday night at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel, he might have been more animated.

Timmy heard he’d been nominated for the Lee Strand Overall Winner Award three weeks ago, but excitement only took hold of him on awards night as organisers named him as the 2017 winner.

“I was shocked, but delighted,” he says, recalling the moment his name was called out.

Described on the night as ‘an inspiration and shining example to young people both in school and the community,’ the Kilflynn native responded admirably after an accident changed his neighbour’s life.

“Robert Barry only lives across the road from me, and it was him who nominated me. He had an accident over a year ago while he was out cutting timber, and he’s been in a wheelchair ever since,” Timmy explains.

“It was tough on our community; Robert was the kind of fella who was stuck in every event locally. He’s a huge figure for Saint Senan’s GAA, so it changed the place when the accident happened.”

But that sad day spurred Robert’s young neighbour to action.

Ever since, the Saint Michael’s Junior Cert pupil has accompanied Robert to watch their beloved Saint Senan’s, and he also calls over to his fireside every week with turf and timber in tow.

“I get on great with Robert so I’m only happy to help, whether it means bringing fuel for the fire, or cutting the lawn for himself and Anna,” Timmy shares modestly.

His kind-heartedness after Robert’s accident would have merited a nomination on its own, but Timmy’s school and local group have also been impressed with all the young man does locally.

Timmy has been central to local fundraising efforts for Saint Vincent de Paul, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Trócaire, and the local GAA, though he thinks nothing of it.

“Yeah, we’d have had a few X-Factor-style fund-raisers, nights at the dogs, and collections around the town. I was involved with those things alright.

“I like to help out at Youth Club and the Coursing Club too whenever I can, whether it’s collecting money or coming up with ideas.”

And once the topic of coursing is drawn down, Timmy can’t be stopped - when he’s not helping out locally, you’ll probably find him at the local coursing track.

“I was above in Clonmel on Saturday and Sunday. It’s unreal; there was people above there without a clue about what was happening, but they were still having a ball.”

Considering all he does locally, he’s probably entitled to the odd weekend off.

Photo By Domnick Walsh RIGHT: Winners at the Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee, including Timmy Dillon from Kilflynn who was announced as the overall winner, he is pictured here with all the award winners on the night and Chief Superintendent Tom Myers, Donal Pierse, Chairman, Lee Strand and John O’Sullivan, General Manager, Lee Strand.

FAR LEFT: Diarmuid Lynch, Kielduff, Tralee was a Distinction award winner. He is pictured here with, John O’Sullivan, General Manager, Lee Strand; Donal Pierse, Chairman, Lee Strand and Tom Myers, Chief Superintendent. Also included are: Eddie Ann and Michelle Lynch, Phyllis and Frank McLoughlin.

Photos By Domnick Walsh NEAR LEFT: Distinction award winner Alison Jones, Farmers Bridge, is pictured with, John O’Sullivan, General Manager Lee Strand; Donal Pierse, Chairman Lee Strand and Tom Myers, Chief Superintendent. Also included are Katherina Brodrick, Ann Marie, Ann, Heather and Howard Jones.

LEFT: Overall award winner Timmy Dillon (seated, centre) with mom Mary, dad Bertie, sister Orla, and brother Garry.