The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Dónal picks up award for community work
THERE were smiles all round for Ballinskelligs native Dónal Ó Shea who was delighted to have been awarded the Unsung Hero Award at the community and voluntary awards at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on October 18.
Donal lives in Stradbally Co Laois, but is proud to retain his Kerry roots. Donal is of the view that his award covers an area which has struggled for representation, namely, the disability sector. Donal also complemented the great work going on in this area in Kerry.
Donal was nominated by the Stradbally parish secretary and he dedicated the award to his 10-year-old daughter Amy.
“Amy has made many sacrifices to allow me to commit to numerous meetings over the years. I thanked my family who have continued to be supportive of my efforts,” said Donal. The MC on the evening was RTE’s
Claire Byrne and the award was presented by Minister for Justice and Equality Charles Flanagan.
Donal is Chair of the Stradbally Community development association for 4 years, whose primary objective is to develop a community centre. Donal is delighted that significant progress has been made in identifying a site with the local authority and associated stakeholders. Other projects have also been advanced.
“I am the PRO of the Stradbally residents electric (EP) picnic Committee for the past 3 years. At the EP AGM this year there was unanimous agreement to direct the proceeds from the tickets which the committee receives from the hosts Festival Republic Ltd. The festival has gone from strength to strength since it first took place in 2004 in Stradbally.” Donal is also the representative on the Stradbally, Vicarstown and Timahoe (SVT) activity and wellness hub which promotes physical and mental well-being. The SVT was nominated by Laois County Council last year for the national ‘Pride of Place Awards’
“I am also a social inclusion representative on the Laois PPN Secretariat for 3 years. It is through my membership of the PPN that I have contributed to the ‘Disability Special interest Group’ (DSIG).
“In February this year we held a County wide meeting with the Disability sector and Stakeholders, with a facilitator following a tendering process.
“The PPN and the DSIG presented the report ‘Access for all’ to the management of Laois County Council and our County Councillors. The report looks at the 4 Strategic Policy Committees (SPC).”