Write a commentThe Confederation of Community Groups (CCG) Annual ‘Shining Light’ Community Volunteering Awards took place on Friday night in The Canal Court, Newry and many local community groups and individuals were celebrated.
More than five hundred people from a broad range of community and voluntary organisations attended the event. Mr Raymond Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of the Confederation of Community Groups, welcomed the guests including Chairperson Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Councillor Róisín Mulgrew.
Mr Jackson extended a cordial welcome to all and said “The Confederation of Community Groups established The ‘Shining Light’ Community Volunteering Awards to celebrate the life and work of our friend and colleague Patricia Graham who sadly passed away in 2009. Tonight’s event which is the culmination of many weeks of hard work by our staff, reflects the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers being recognised here this evening.
On behalf of the Confederation I would like to thank the adjudication panel including Mary Mc Laughlin, Hugh Mallon, Frances Mc Carthy, Victor Coert and Colette Ruddy for taking the time to assess the many nominations we received. I would also like to acknowledge the support and advice we received this year from the Health and Social Care Board and the Southern Local Commissioning Group which are represented here tonight by Jacqueline Magee and Merrisa Mc Geary respectively.
The ‘Shining Light’ Community Volunteering Awards are established as a means to recognise and value the incredible work of the community and voluntary sector in this area. The Confederation would therefore like to congratulate each and every person who was nominated for an Award here tonight. The wide range of nominations received demonstrates just how diverse and vibrant the community/ voluntary sector is in this area.
Finally, I wish to thank CCG Staff, The Canal Court Hotel, Newry Credit Union, our main sponsor, and all our sponsors who helped make this such a wonderful occasion.
Council Chairperson Róisín Mulgrew said "We are here tonight to recognise and pay tribute to the many volunteers who give of their time in local communities throughout the Newry, Mourne and Down area.
"The ‘Shining Light’ Community Volunteering Awards were established by the Confederation of Community Groups in 2009 to highlight the life and work of the CCG’s own Patricia Graham. Patricia who was employed by the Confederation, was herself a volunteer, who gave countless hours of her time to community projects within this area.
"Newry Mourne & Down District Council are particularly happy to be associated with the event and to acknowledge all the nominations which have once again surprised us in their breadth and quality. We are further delighted with the fantastic turnout here tonight to support and pay tribute to our volunteers.
"The important contribution made by these local volunteers to ensuring that our area continues to be a vibrant and friendly place in which to live cannot be overstated. Furthermore, it is vital that the work carried out by local volunteers is formally recognised both by their friends and colleagues within the community/ voluntary sector and also, as in tonight’s event, by the private and statutory sectors.
"Finally, I would like to commend all associated with tonight’s event. By organising this celebration the CCG ‘Shines a Light’ on community volunteering, reminding us all how volunteers underpin the very fabric of our communities."
The Results
Age 16-24 - Cailim McParland, S.P.A.C.E.
Age 25-49 - Vessie Ivanov, Accolade Community Choir
Age 50 - 64 - Bernadette Sands, Newry Gateway Club
Age 65+ - Sylvia McElroy, Newry Gateway Club
Youth Work - Shamrock Youth Club
Older People's Services - Good Morning Service
Community Project/ Service - Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and Crossmaglen and District Community First Responders (joint)
Community Group/ Association - Newry 2020 and Killowen Fundraising Group for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (joint)
Mullaghbane Irish Dancers with Graham Highland Dancers who performed at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Traditional Arts Partnership with Fergal O'Brien, Kenny Qua and Mudra Kamur at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Elaine O'Sullivan with Traditional Arts Partnership musicians and Markethill Primary School entertaining the crowd at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Elaine O'Sullivan with Traditional Arts Partnership musicians and Markethill Primary School at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Elaine O'Sullivan with Traditional Arts Partnership musicians and Markethill Primary School entertained at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Elaine O'Sullivan with Traditional Arts Partnership musicians and Markethill Primary School entertained at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
The packed Canal Court Hotel for the Confederation of Community Group's, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
The packed Canal Court Hotel for the Confederation of Community Group's, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Traditional Arts Partnership with Fergal O'Brien and Elaine O'Sullivan, Kenny Qua, Markethill Primary School and Mudra Kamur performed at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Photograph: Columba O'Hare7
Fergal O'Brien and the Graham Highland Dancers performing at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
The Graham Highland Dancers performing at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
The packed Canal Court Hotel for the Confederation of Community Group's, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Raymond Jackson, Chief Executive, Confederation of Community Groups speaking at the Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Gerry Carey, Confederation of Community Groups speaking at the Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Seanin Graham, family representative presents the Shining Light Award in the Age 16-24 Category to Cailim McParland, S.P.A.C.E. The award was presented at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Cllr Roisin Mulgrew, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down Council , sponsors, with Nominees in the Age 16-24 category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry.
Front from left: Alaina McGuigan, Our Lady's Grammar School; Cailim McParland, S.P.A.C.E., (Award Recipient) and Aoife McCloy, Down Right Brilliant. Back: Johnny Savage, PIPS Newry and Mourne; Cllr Mulgrew and Melissa Quinn, Down Right Brilliant. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Seanin Graham, family representative presents the Shining Light Award in the Age 25-49 Category to Vessie Ivanov, Accolade Community Choir. The award was presented at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards in Newry. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
The nominees in the Age 25-49 category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry.
Front from left: Darren Magee, Alzheimers Society; Vessie Ivanov, Accolade Choir, (Award Recipient) Shelene Rooney, Clonduff Parent and Toddler; Shea Graham, family representative and Jacqueline Magee, Personal and Public Involvement head, Health and Social Care Board. Back: Garry McElherron on behalf of Brian Cleland, Newry 2020; Dara Vowles, Lislea Community Association; Cathal Evans, Clanrye Group Ltd; Rory Rafferty, Newry Rainbow Community; Paula McGuigan, Carnagat Area Community Association and Merrisa McGeary, Commissioning Department, Southern LCG representing The Quays, sponsors. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Nominees in the Age 50-64 category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry.
Front from left: Delores Hughes, Alzheimers Society; Mairead Robb, Down Right Brilliant; Bernadette Sands, Newry Gateway Club (Award Recipient); Bridie Hughes, Action Mental Health; Margaret O'Gorman, Puzzles Play Group and Sean Quinn, HAND - Run for Autism. Back: Ann McGivern, Newry Street Unite; Kelly Murray on behalf of Bronagh McVeigh, N&M Citizens Advice; Edith Edgar, Annalong Over 60's Club; Padraig Lynch, Newry Rainbow Community; Kathie Mallie, Clanrye Taxis, Sponsor; Linda Farnon, Older People's Community Project; Roishin Magennis, South Down Community Rescue Service; Shea Graham, family representative and Geraldine McCarthy, CARA Club. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Bernadette Sands, Newry Gateway Club is pictured receiving her Shining Light Award in Age 50-64 Category, from Kathie Mallie, Clanrye Taxis, sponsors with Shea Graham, family representative. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Nominees in the Age 65+ category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Front from left: Alice McEvoy, SWALLOWS Women's Group; Annie Morgan, Kilbroney Luncheon Club; Sylvia McElroy, Newry Gateway Club, (Award Recipient) ; Peter McEvoy, Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency, sponsor; Irene Harbinson, Southern Area Hospice and Rose Cunningham, Kilbroney Luncheon Club. Back: Leo Collins, Home Secured Project, Crossmaglen U3A; John White, Alzheimers Society; Shea Graham, family representative; Kathleen Marmion, South Armagh Blind and Visually Impaired; Aishling Smith on behalf of Joey McKinley, Alzheimer's Society; Elaine Cousins, Home Start Newry & Mourne and Ciaran Hanna, Alzheimer's Society. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Sylvia McElroy, Newry Gateway Club was the Award Recipient of the Age 65+ category in the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017. Peter McEvoy, Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency, sponsor, is pictured making the presentation with Shea Graham , family representative . Photograph: Columba O'Hare
At the Shining Light Awards, Raymond Jackson, Chief Executive, CCG presents a donation of £500 to Andrea McCann who received it on behalf of Southern Area Hospice. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Nominees in the Youth Work category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Front from left: Gary Cranney, Haldane Fisher, sponsor; Tiernan Morrow and Lauren Donnelly, Shamrock Youth Club (Award Recipient), Seanin Graham, family representative and Saorise Mackey, Martins Lane Area Youth Group. Back: Caitlin Carlon and Mary Ellen Darling, Greater Linenhall Area Youth Group; Oisin Groom, Bluesberry; Joy Mackin and Raymond Magee, Newry Street Unite Youth Group and Ryan O'Callaghan and Shannon Lennon, Magnet Centre Management Committee. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Shamrock Youth Club was the Award Recipient in the Youth Work category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Tiernan Morrow and Lauren Donnelly are pictured along with Gary Cranney, Haldane Fisher, sponsor and Seanin Graham, family representative. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Nominees in the Older People's Services category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Front from left: Seamus Morgan and Andrew Birt, Good Morning Service, (Award Recipient), Maurice Rocks, Red Rock Training, sponsor and Josephine Woods, Ballybot Seniors. Back: Seanin Graham, family representative; Phylis Hanratty and Mary McDonald, Comfort Zone and Denise McLoughlin, Mourne Home to Hospital. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Good Morning Service was the Award Recipient in the Older People's Services category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Seamus Morgan and Andrew Birt are pictured with Seanin Graham, family representative and Maurice Rocks, Red Rock Training, sponsor. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Nominees in the Commmunity Project/ Service category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017. Front from left: Frank O'Connor, First Derivatives, sponsor; Colin and Eithne Bell, Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, ((Joint Award Recipients) Aoibhean Byrne, Crossmaglen and District Community First Responders, (Joint Award Recipient); Seanin Graham, family representative and Colly Coyle, Barcroft Community Garden (Newry Felons Association). Back: Cathal Lynch, Pride in Newry Festival and Parade; Noel Marron and Mickey McLoughlin, Derrybeg Community Allotments; Teresa O'Hare, Positive Futures; Jeffery McCune, The Mourne Lodge; Clare Leeman, Positive Futures; Rosemary Rooney, Davina's Ark Aftercare Addiction Services; Josie McGivern and Jackie Moore, Carnagat Baby Remembrance Service of Light; Rebecca Crozier , Keelin Mc Stay and Donal Rafferty, Derrybeg BMX Project and Roishin Magennis, South Down Commmunity Rescue Service.
Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and Crossmaglen and District Community First Responders were the Joint Award Recipients in the Community Projects/ Service category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Colin and Eithne Bell. Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and Aoibhean Byrne, Crossmaglen and District Community First Responders are pictured with their Shining Light Awards with Seanin Graham, family representative and Frank O'Connor, First Derivatives, sponsor. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Nominees for the Community Group/ Association category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017. Front from left: Gloria Woods, Home Start Newry and Mourne; Frances McCarthy, Newry Credit Union, sponsor; Brian McAnulty, Killowen Fundraising Group for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (Joint Award Recipients) ; Neil Bradley, Newry 2020 (Joint Award Recipient) ; Seanin Graham, family representative and Geraldine Merendino, Ballybot Community Association. Back: Lisa McElroy, Eari-Wig Community Festival; Maureen Ruddy, Martins Lane Area Community Association; Mary McKenna, Newry Felons Association; Mary McDonald, Drumgath Ladies Group; Eamonn Murphy, PIPS Newry and Mourne; Joanna Olszowy, Polish Families Community Association; Brea McKeown, Accolade; Antoinette McCartan, Newry Street Unite and Stephanie Casey, Greater Linenhall Area Community Association.
Newry 2020 and Killowen Fundraising Group for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy were Joint Award Recipients in the Community Group/ Association category at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017. Brian McAnulty, Killowen Fundraising Group is pictured receiving the award from Frances McCarthy, Newry Credit Union, sponsor while Neil Bradley, Newry 2020 receives their award from Seanin Graham, family representative. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Irene Harbinson, second from left was nominated in the Age 65+ category for her Southern Area Hospice work, at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards. Also included from left are hospice staff Andrea McCann, Sally Crossan and Yvonne McQuaid. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Members of Newry Felons were nominated in the Community Group/ Association and Community Project / Service (Barcroft Community Garden) categories at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards in Newry. Members of the association are pictured here with Mickey Brady, MP; Cllr Roisin Mulgrew, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down Council and Cllr Charlie Casey. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Shamrock Youth Club representatives with their nomination certificate at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Members of Clonduff Parent and Toddler Group with their Shining Light nominee Shelene Rooney at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Crossmaglen and District Community First Responders pictured with their Shining Light Award along with Justin McNulty MLA at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Lee, Roishin, Martin and Nancy Magennis with their nomination certificates for South Down Community Rescue Service at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Crossmaglen U3A members at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. From left: Maureen Nugent, Tony Kieran, Dolores Collins, Leo Collins, Gretta Kieran, Brigie McMahon and Breege Gogarty. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Magnet YAC members with their nomination certificate at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. From left: Gary Carroll, Ryan O'Callaghan (Gingy), Annie Fegan, Shannon Lennon, John Hughes, Pauline Davey and Ann Murphy. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Members of the Polish Families Community Association with their nomination certificate at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017. From left: Anna Piechanowska, Jozef Olszowy, Joanna Olszowy, Robert Zembala, Malgorzata Libowskas, Ruba Jacob, Aniela Czapelka, Tomasz Glibowski and Mateusz Kubiczek. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Newry Street Unite, Kilkeel with their nomination certificates at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Included front from left: Joy Mackin, Raymond Magee jnr, Amwhar Abu and Caitlin Collins. Back: Antoinette McCartan, Philip Magee, Siobhan Maddocks, Raymond Magee, Thomas Collins and Ann McGivern. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Members of Newry Rainbow Community with their nomination certificates at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. From left: Rory Rafferty, Paudie Mullally, Cathal Lynch, Matthew Marshall, Dermot Rafferty, Karen Rafferty and Damian McKevitt. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Sheila Tumilty and Aidan Tumilty, Good Morning Service and Adele Campbell, Cara McShane and Sean Quinn, Run for Autism - HAND with their nomination certificates at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Members of the Accolade choir enjoying the night at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017. Front from left: Anna Sosa, Mary Cunningham, Brea Herron and Ed Herron. Back: Enrique Sosa, Nikolai Ivanov, Vessi Ivanov, Pat Cunningham, Janet McAllister and Anne Martin. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Derrybeg Community Association members at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards with Laurence Bradley, CCG. From left: Tiarna Kearns, Laurence, Joseph Aherne Murphy, Martine Marron and Amanda Kearns. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Far and Away keep the crowd entertained at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Kathleen McCaul, CCG at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards 2017 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Drummer Mudra Kamur performing with Elaine O'Sullivan and the Traditional Arts Partnership and Markethill Primary School at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Cllr Roisin Mulgrew, on her first day as Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down Council speaking at the Confederation of Community Groups, Patricia Graham Shining Light Community Volunteering Awards in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Lucy Houston , Kilkeel High School, entertaining at the Shining Light Awards. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
