Celebrating Volunteers at Tenth Shining Light Awards

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More than 500 people from a broad range of community and voluntary organisations attended the Confederation of Community Groups (CCG) 10th Annual Patricia Graham ‘Shining Light’ Awards in the Canal Court Hotel on Friday night.

The popular Awards recognising community volunteers saw representatives from local community groups and organisations receiving well deserved appreciation of their efforts in many areas. Awards were also presented in the following categories: Young People's Project, Community Group/ Association and Community Project/ Service.

Colin Kavanagh, The Quays, sponsor and family representative Seanín Graham with Josef McGuigan, Carnagat Area Community Association, the award recipient in the Age 16-24 category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2018 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie

Soeaking at the event the CCG’s Chief Executive Raymond Jackson said “I would like to extend a cordial welcome to you all and in particular to our honoured guests including members of the Graham family and in particular Patricia’s children Shea and Seanín, Council Chairperson Mark Murnin and his wife Michelle and our elected representatives. Tonight’s event reflects the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers being recognised here this evening and is the culmination of several months of hard work by CCG staff. I would also like to pay tribute to the adjudicating panel including Frances McCarthy, Hugh Mallon, Mary Mc Loughlin, Colette Ruddy and Seanín Graham for taking the time to assess the scores of nominations we received.

Mr Jackson concluded “On behalf of the CCG I would like to congratulate the various Award recipients and all volunteers gathered here for the event. I also wish to thank CCG Staff, Canal Court staff and all our sponsors particularly Newry Credit Union our main sponsor. The link with the Credit Union is a natural partnership as its ethos like ours is rooted in voluntary endeavour”

Cllr Mark Murnin, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council , sponsors, with the nominees in the Age 25-49 category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2018 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Included from left: Clara Killen, An Riocht Camogie Club; Lawrence McCullough, (Joint Award recipient), Cedar Foundation; Matthew Marshall, Newry Rainbow Community; Mark; Gemma Clarke, SPACE; Sinead McGrath, (Joint Award recipient), Arbour House; Ernie Campbell, Barcroft/ Ballybot Residents Association and Kerrie Cartmill, The Active Group. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie

Council Chairperson Mark Murnin said “We have gathered here tonight, on this the 10th Anniversary of the event, to recognise and pay tribute to the many unsung heroes who work tirelessly within local communities throughout the Newry, Mourne & Down area. The ‘Shining Light’ Community Volunteering Awards were established by the Confederation of Community Groups to celebrate the life and work of the CCG’s own Patricia Graham who sadly passed away in 2009. Patricia was employed by the Confederation and as a volunteer she gave many hours of her own time to many community projects within the Newry area.”

The Chairperson continued “Newry, Mourne & Down District Council are particularly happy to be associated with this 10th anniversary event and to witness the range and quality of nominations. We are further delighted with the fantastic level of support on display here tonight.

Nominees in the Age 65+ Category at the Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2018 in the Canal Court Hotel. Included, front from left: Francie Doyle, Burren Community Association; May Cull, Swallows; John McKnight, OPCP/ Home Secured, (joint award recipient), Gary Cranney, Haldane Fisher, sponsor; Seán Maguire, Newry Felons Association, (joint award recipient); Rita Longridge, Arbour House and Lena Smith, Mayobridge Womens Group. Back from left: Seanín Graham, family representative; Phil Morrow, N&M Senior Citizens Consortium - N&M Older People's Forum; Georgina Jennings, Happy Days Senior Citizens; John White, Alzheimer's Society; Jennifer Kelly, N&M Senior Citizens Consortium and Canon Jameson, Kilbroney Luncheon Club. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie

"The selfless contribution made by local volunteers brings a vibrant dynamic to the Newry, Mourne & Down area which enhances it's esteem throughout the region. The Council believes that it is crucial that the work carried out by volunteers is formally recognised by their colleagues in the community & voluntary sector and by us in the statutory sector."

Cllr Murnin concluded "I would like to commend all associated with tonight’s event. The CCG’s ‘Shining Light’ Awards puts community volunteering in the spotlight and acts as a catalyst for promoting inclusive, selfless inter community activity."

The Award Recipients

Age 16-24: Josef McGuigan, Carnagat Area Community Association (Sponsor: The Quays)

Age 25-49: Joint recipients, Sinead McGrath, Arbour House and Lawrence McCullough, Cedar Foundation (Sponsor: Newry, Mourne and Down Council)

Age 50-64: Joint recipients, Gabriel Bradley, Alzheimers Society and Maura Cunningham, Action Mental Health (Sponsor: Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency)