SERVING THE COMMUNITY

MAYORAL AWARDS FOR THOSE WORKING TO ENHANCE THE TOWN OF DROGHEDA AND BRINGING ACCLAIM TO THE REGION

PEOPLE who have played their part in promoting Drogheda and all its great attributes were honoured in a very special way last week.

The annual Mayoral Awards, handed out by Oliver Tully, recognised supreme efforts and rightly acknowledged the role many people play in everyday life in Drogheda.

15 individuals and organisations were invited along to the Highlanes to be presented with a framed scroll. Those honoured were: Her Excellency Geraldine Byrne Nason, the French ambassador and recently appointed as Ireland’s new Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York – a position she will take up in June 2017.

Archdeacon James Carroll for his efforts to rejuvenate the Irish language and Rev Fr James Donleavy, leading a campaign to keep the Dominican Order by the Boyneside. Andrew Reddan, a student at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), was the Knorr Student Chef of the Year 2017.

Garda Superintendent Andrew Watters and his team were recognised for their efforts in promoting the Midnight Soccer League. The Drogheda Boys, Southside Community Project, Boyne Garda Youth Diversion Project, Probation Service, Cable Garda Youth Diversion Project, Respond Housing, FAI and Drogheda Chamber with sponsors, State Street Banking and AXA Insurance have all played their vital part too.

The Irish Coast Guard, the Ferrard Day Centre, Drogheda Men’s Shed, Balsanter Text Alert Community Group, Philip McCabe, President of Opimondia International Beekeeping and William Mynes were also honoured. As a member of the Irish Navy, William helped extinguish a fire on board his ship, the LE Cliona in 1962.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Drogheda Committee, for securing the Fleadh in 2018, Louth Family Carers Support Group, composer Michael Holohan and rights activist Brendan Fay were also feted.

Councillor Tully added: “In honouring the members of the Irish Coast Guard, the members of Rescue Flight 116 are in our thoughts. We will be forever indebted to them for their valiant work in the Drogheda area.”

Mayor Oliver Tully presenting William Mynes with a Mayoral Award with members of hiis family, Amiee, Billie Junior, Katie, Tara, Alan and Una

Mayor Oliver Tully honouring Lolo Robinson and Members Of the Fleadh Cheoil Na Eireann team, Paddy Branigan, Orla Branigan Joan Martin Chief Executive Louth Council , Rory Scott, John Watts , Eddie Phelan and Padraig Kierans

Garda David Rothwell accepts an award on behalf of Supt Andrew Watters, with Pat Sheridan, John O’Flaherty, Sinead Malone and Donal Mc Givern

Mayor Oliver Tully Presenting Andrew Reddan with his Mayoral Award with mum Michelle, dad Robert and twin sisters Vanessa and Lauren

Mayor Oliver Tully presenting Fr Jim Donleavy with a Mayoral Award with Rita Hanratty and Angela Rice

An award to the Irish Coastguard, Dermot McConnoran , Paul O Neill, Shayrn Mee and Andy O Brien