County winners cover all angles

ONCE the 19 Municipal District winners had been recognised, it was on to the county winners to round off the night.

There were nine in total, and the variety of fields covered was every bit as diverse as that covered beforehand by the Municipal Districts, with awards recognising commitment to history and heritage; volunteerism; dance; sports; and, indeed, no little bravery.

Among the winners was Sgt Dermot O’Connell of the Killarney Garda District, whose unique road-safety initiative has surely saved lives, not only in Kerry but throughout Ireland.

Operation Páistí concerns raising awareness of and implementing proper restraint of children travelling in cars, an area Sgt O’Connell spotted was plagued by a shortfall in knowledge and understanding.

His campaign sought to change all that, and after being initially implemented through a schools programme in Killarney, the process got underway to spread the word throughout the Kerry division and, indeed, Ireland. His award was just one of nine county awards bestowed on Friday, and the full list is as follows:

County Award Winners

Sgt Dermot O’Connell for his creation of the Operation Páistí safety initiative. Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society for their role in preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the county. Irish Red Cross Kerry Branch for their volunteering spirit and dedication. Kerry Academy of Dance for achieving success nationally and internationally. Gary O’Sullivan, Special Olympics gold medallist.

Kerry All-Ireland Camogie winning team 2019.

St Michael’s College Cadet Volleyball team on winning the all-Ireland title 2019. Kevin Lynch for his achievement at the European Masters Athletics Vincent O’Connor and Martin Guerin for their heroic rescue from drowning of John Kelleher in Listowel in 1972