And the Mallow Oscars went to ....
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS HONOURED AT AWARDS NIGHT
COMMUNITIES across the greater Mallow area were the big winners last Saturday night as people gathered at Springfort Hall Hotel for the 2019 Mallow and District Sports and Leisure Council Awards.
One of the highlights on the local social calendar, the awards honoured individuals and groups from across the area for their commitment and selfless dedication to the betterment of the communities they live in and serve.
THE function room at the Springfort Hall was packed to the rafters last Saturday night as people from communities across the north Cork region came together for the 2019 Mallow and District Sports & Leisure Council Awards.
Always a hugely enjoyable event, the 27th awards night saw people honoured both for their individual achievements and for their contributions to their clubs and communities, with Kieran McSweeney once again undertaking MC duties on the night.
Awards committee chair Roisin Moriarty opened proceedings by congratulating all of the nominees, saying the standard of nominations was “very strong” this year.
“I know that I say this every year, but I am very glad I did not have to pick the winners,” she quipped.
Guest of Honour was Mourneabbey All-Ireland winning ladies captain Bríd O’Sullivan, who helped had out the awards and also took part in a fascinating ‘one-on-one’ interview with Kieran McSweeney.
“It is a real honour for us to have Brid here to help celebrate the achievements of all the nominees tonight,” said Roisin.
She also paid tribute to the late Liam Ware, the former chair of the awards organising committee .
“Liam was the backbone of our committee, and indeed the backbone of many groups and committee’s in Mallow. He is greatly missed and I Know that he is looking down on us tonight a very proud Mallow and North Corkman,” said Roisin.
Siobhan Murphy, General Manager of The Corkman who were once again joint sponsors of the awards, also paid tribute to the late Mr Ware, saying he was “up there laughing and smiling down on us tonight”.
“He left a great legacy and would be delighted that these awards are being carried on in his honour,” said Siobhan.
She spoke about how proud The Corkman was to be once again involved with the awards and commended the committee for their hard work in making the initiative such a success.
“It is wonderful to see so many people recognised and rewarded for their efforts here tonight. A community cannot survive without the support of local people, so it is only fitting that we thank the families and supporters of all the nominees for their support. They are the backbone of their communities,” said Siobhan.
Pat Whelan and Sinead O’Connor, representing the other joint award sponsors Munster Labels and the AIB Mallow, also congratulated all the nominees and award winners.
“It really is fantastic to be here tonight in the presence of so many people who have become role models for their communities and to see the sheer depth of talent that exists across all of the various categories,” said Sinead.
Pat also spoke about the two nominated charities associated with this year’s awards; Cliona’s Foundation and Special Olympics Munster.
Brendan Ring, who co-founded Cliona’s Foundation with his wife Terry following the death of their daughter Cliona, spoke about the charity and its work – more details of which are available at www.clionasfoundation.ie.
Eoin O’Beara, representing Special Olympics, spoke about Special Olympics, highlighting the difference it had made to the lives of the many people who participate under its banner and their families.