Chairman"s Awards recognise volunteers" commitment

This was the second year of the Chairman"s Community Awards for Offaly County Council, which recognise the commitment, dedication and hard work of the community and voluntary sector throughout the county. Speaking on the night of the awards, Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Cowen, who is also Chairman of Offaly County Development Board, said that one of the actions prioritised by that Board is to 'recognise and encourage volunteerism and active citizenship'. 'I will never fail to be heartened and humbled by the level of commitment and enthusiasm that volunteers invest in their communities. Volunteering is increasingly difficult with the pressures of modern day working and family life and thankfully there is a strong tradition of voluntary participation across the county,' Cllr Cowen added. He said the elected representatives were in constant contact with the individuals and voluntary groups in the local communities. 'We depend on these groups and they depend on us to represent their concerns, together we form the basis of local democracy, participation and representation,' he said. 'Often these groups can achieve fantastic results with very little money, small membership, very little thanks but huge enthusiasm and commitment. I hope these awards go some way to recognising that commitment.' Clara golfer Shane Lowry started off his winning streak by being presented with a Chairman"s Award last Thursday night. His mother was there to accept it on his behalf. Shane has represented Ireland, Europe and Great Britain and Ireland teams. Having rounded off 2008 as number three in the World Amateur Rankings and number one in Europe. He was also one of the nominees for the Offaly Association Dublin Person of the Year award. The winners: Cherishing Children First: Daingean Community Childcare Services and Kinnitty Community Playgroup, second: Parents First (Laois Offaly) Ltd and Rainbows, third: CAMP. Youth in Action First: 2nd Offaly Scouts and St Mary"s Youth Centre, Ferbane Foróige and Edenderry Youth Action Group, third: Ballycumber Foróige. Community Enhancement First: Arden View Community & Family Resource Centre and Clara Intergenerational Project, second: Crinkle Tidy Villages & Development Association and Banagher Active Retirement Group, third: Mid Offaly Housing Association.