Civic Awards acknowledge service to the Community

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Chairman Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Councillor Michael Savage presents Amy Fegan with a Civic Award in the Community and Voluntary Awards Category at the Civic Awards Annual Recognition Reception.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage welcomed 46 amazing individuals and organisations to the Burrendale Hotel in Newcastle on Wednesday 7 September for a special Civic Awards Ceremony.

Each year the Council recognises those people who have demonstrated outstanding service to the community, made a significant contribution to public life in Newry, Mourne and Down and have shown real dedication in helping local residents.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Chairperson Councillor Michael Savage said, “These awards give us the opportunity to show our gratitude for the fantastic people in Newry, Mourne and Down who go above and beyond to improve the lives of others. We always receive lots of nominations in respect of outstanding people in our community and it is never an easy task to select who should receive a civic award.”

Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage continued, “There were so many fantastic stories received, every story was different, every volunteer so appreciated by the person that nominated them. I am delighted to be able to host this event at the Burrendale Hotel to highlight the major efforts made by individuals and groups to the betterment of the district and to say thank you for their contribution.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage presents Aaron Walsh, who was born with Cerebral palsy and Diplegia in his limbs with a Human Endeavour Civic Award. Aaron had to undergo life changing surgery at St. Louis Children’s Hospice, Missouri and throughout his treatment he has shown remarkable bravery. Included in the picture are his parents Patrick and Lisa Walsh.

This year’s recipients were nominated for their contribution in the following five categories: Arts and Culture, Human Endeavour, Community and Voluntary, Fundraising and Sport.

Amongst the beneficiaries was five-year-old Aaron Walsh from, who was born with Cerebral Palsy and Diplegia in his limbs which caused immeasurable pain. Aaron underwent life changing surgery at St Louis Children’s Hospice in Missouri which thankfully has been very successful. Aaron was presented with a Human Endeavour Civic Award for showing remarkable bravery.

Loretta Gribben and Helene Grant both won Community and Voluntary Civic Awards for their important role in setting up Community First Responders groups in their local District Electoral Areas (DEA). Both their ambition and drive to establish a trained Community Responders group in their respective areas were founded out of personal tragedies. They have helped facilitate the provision of a defibrillator and first aid training across Slieve Croob DEA and the Mournes DEA providing vital first aid assistance if the ambulance service is experiencing delays.

Members of Meadow Armagh Road Community Association – Newry Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage presents (From L to R) Helena Young, Noreen Rice and Brendan Cranney with a Community and Voluntary Civic Award for the support that the Meadow Armagh Road Community Association provide to the elderly throughout the year, especially at Christmas time.

Patrick Morgan has a reputation as a community man who is always there to help. He has helped numerous groups and charities over the years, raising thousands of pounds for each one. At 86 years young, Patrick was awarded with a Community and Voluntary Civic Award as a token of appreciation from the Council for being such an honourable, decent, kind and generous person and leading community spirit right across the district.

Cyril McKinney has been a magnificent fundraiser for a variety of charities. He has devoted his life to helping others, amongst them are the most vulnerable in society. Without question, Cyril goes the extra mile for his community and was a much deserved receiver of a Community and Voluntary Civic Award.

Awards

These are just some of the very special people that were acknowledged at the awards ceremony. All the recipients were recognised for doing extraordinary things that make a positive contribution in their community.

Arts and Culture

Aoibheann Morgan

Lucia Morgan

Oisin Bradley

Cathleen Garland

Terry Cowan

Human Endeavour

Aaron Walsh

Naomi Herron

Leanne Molloy

Enterprise

Sophie McKnight