Full list of Offaly Person of the Year nominees revealed

 

SIXTEEN people from all walks of life have been nominated for the 29th Offaly Person of the Year award which will be presented at a Gala Function in the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore on Saturday, 1 April.
The selection committee which is a sub-committee of the Offaly Association (Dublin) consists of Liam Fleury (chairperson), Connie Hanniffy (secretary), Ann Carey (treasurer), Ger Scully (PRO), Peter Carter and Pat Teehan.
Fintan Monahan, Tullamore who has been  nominated in recognition of his appointment as Bishop of Killaloe. He is one of the youngest bishops in the country.
Joe Masterson, Fahy Handball Club, Rhode, is nominated on his election as Preident of GAA Handball for a three year term.
Cathal O'Donoghue of O'Donoghue Bakery, Tullamore, has been nominated form the winning of a national award and for the foresight in bringing new products to the market place.
Pat Minnock, Tullamore, has been shortlisted for his work as a volunteer for over forty years in a long list of community organisations, parish and national organisations i.e. LIons Club, Lourdes Invalid, schools and parish management committees.
Mick Nestor from Clara has been nominated for hiss hard work and unwavering commitment to the success of the Independent Living Project.
2015 marked the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Offaly Centre for Independent Living.
Ken Smollen, Tullamore for his work in looking after and visiting the homeless in the county and at national level and for his efforts of collecting clothing and food and transporting same to those in need.
Pat Smullen, Rhode, was crowned champion flat racing jockey in 2016 (a title he has won on nine occasions). He is a great ambassador for Irish racing, he rode the winner of the Irish Derby in 2016 and also rode the winner of the English Derby the same year.
Freda Kinnarney of Tullanmore Show has been chosen for organising one of the highlights of the rural calendar on an annual basis and attracting a record entry and bringing huge economic benefit to the county town of Tullamore.
Previously announced were Dominic Doheny, Tullamore; Jude Feehan, Ferbane; Stuart Grehan, Tullamore; Brendan Jennings; PJ Lynam; Mary Teresa Lynch, Tullamore; Tom Loonam, Cloghan; and Brendan Martin