Cathaoirleach Award winners in EU Parliament

MANY of the volunteers who travelled to Brussels last week were recipients of the Cathaoirleach’s Award 2016.

The Awards honour the volunteering efforts of individuals and groups in Sligo. These volunteers never thought they would get to visit the European Parliament to highlight the work that they do and take part in an EU level seminar on volunteering. But thanks to the efforts of MEP Marian Harkin this group of unsung heroes enjoyed a once in a lifetime trip.

Yeats Society Volunteer Maura McTigue summed up her surprise: “I’m 30 years volunteering and to get a reward like this at the end of it is really appreciated.” Fellow Yeats Society Volunteer and its President Martin Enright was on hand at the Sligo cultural exhibition to answer any questions from interested visitors. And the Nobel prize winning poet was never far from anyone’s lips, fittingly mentioned in every speech at the official opening of the exhibition on Tuesday evening.

The new Irish Ambassador to Belgium, Helena Nolan in her first official gig said: “I am de- lighted to launch this important event honouring Sligo for its volunteers, culture and food. I got to view the exhibition which gives a real taste of Sligo.

“One of our most famous poets spent most of his childhood summers there. Those idyllic early summers made a lasting impression on Yeats, influencing much of his work with beauty and a magical mystical quality which he got from the landscape. When you read Yeats you feel he is almost yearning to return to that magical place of his youth.”

She then told the large crowd: “For those of you who have yet to visit Sligo, do.”