Search for Offaly 2024 Person of the Year and Unsung Hero launched
THE search for the 2024 Offaly Association (Dublin) Person of the Year and 2024 Unsung Hero, which are sponsored by Noel Tynan, The Celt Pub, Talbot Street, Dublin, was launched by the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Tony McCormack in The Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore on Wednesday last.
A huge crowd was present, including Minister Pippa Hackett, Deputy Carol Nolan, Cllr Eddie Firtzpatrick, Cllr Fergus McDonnell, Cllr Ollie Bryant, Cllr Declan Harvey, Cllr John Clendennen, Caroline Collins Murphy (President, Tullamore Chamber of Commerce), Dympna Bracken (incoming President of Tullamore Lions Club), Shane Murray (Tullamore Tidy Towns), Ann Starling (Tullamore Christmas lights), and Matt Connor and Michael Byrne (previous Person of the Year award winners).
Apologies were received from Anna Marie Delaney (Offaly CEO), Noel Tynan, Cllr Claire Murray, Maura Allen, Philip Brady, Cllr Sean O'Brien, Seamus Dooley and Noel McCann.
The evening commenced with Master of Ceremonies Ger Scully extending a warm welcome to all present.
Chairman of the selection committee, Liam Fluery, said it was great to see such a large crowd present for the launch of the 36th Offaly Association (Dublin) Person of the Year.
"The Person of the Year award was introduced in 1988 and has continued to go from strength to strength each year. We also introduced the Unsung Hero award which is separate to the Person of the Year award some years ago.
"My thanks to the local media for their continued support and to Noel Tynan, The Celt Bar, Talbot Street, Dublin for his loyal and generous sponsorship of the awards.
"The Offaly Association has over the past number of years hosted a Golf Classic to raise funds for Offaly GAA and this year we presented Offaly County Board with a cheque for €30,000, the proceeds of the Golf Classic which was held earlier this year," he said.
"In the past year, former winners of the award - Johnny Flanagan (2017) and Brendan Martin (2019) have passed away and we extend our sympathies to their families, and also to the families of the late Jim Feighery, the first winner of the Unsung Hero award," said Mr Fleury who concluded by wishing all those who had out their names forward for the 2024 general election every success.
Mr Michael Byrne who won the award in 1993 said: "It is a great honour for me to speak to you tonight on behalf of the 2023 winner, Seamus Dooley.
"The Offaly Person of the Year award is a very prestigious award as is the Unsung Hero award, both of which acknowledge and have acknowledged many wonderful people who have done so much to promote the county and work behind the scenes in helping develop their local communities.
In launching the search for the 2024 Offaly Person of the Year and Unsung Hero, Cllr Tony McCormack said: "I am delighted and deeply honoured to launch the 2024 Offaly Person of the Year. It is great to see former winners Matt Connor and Michael Byrne here tonight as we launch the 36th Offaly Person of the Year.
"Well done to the Offaly Association sub-committee for their tireless dedication and behind the scenes efforts in bringing this event to life year after year. Your hard work ensures that we continue to shine a light on the incredible individuals in our community.
"Over the year the recipients of this award have truly embodied the spirit of Offaly. Their contributions have been outstanding, making a lasting impact on our county and further afield.
"I would like extend a big thank you to Noel Tyan, The Celt Bar, Talbot Street, Dublin, for his ongoing sponsorship of the award.
"As we begin this year's journey, I look forward to celebrating yet another person who exemplifies the values and heart of Offaly."
In conclusion, Cllr McCormack thanked everyone present for being in The Bridge House Hotel to support this meaningful tradition and expressed the hope it would continue to honour the remarkable people of Offaly.