The winners of the 2007 Rehab/Donegal County Council “People of the Year Awards” have just been announced. The winners are:
1. Hugo Boyce, Clonmany
Community activist and pioneer in raising awareness of the need for organ donations to enable more kidney transplants to take place in the county. He has represented Ireland in the World Transplant Games where he has brought back numerous medals.
2. Michael Doherty, Quigleys Point
For his unstinting work in his own community and the remarkable work he has done further abroad with the Romanian Orphanage Project, building a residential home for 48 children and many other projects there. He has inspired others in the county to give of their time, their holidays and weekends to help out.
3. Alan Doherty & Paul McBride, Letterkenny
A joint nomination for Alan Doherty’s outstanding courage in coping with recent groundbreaking surgery and his achievements of last summer, when he competed in the New York State Games for the disabled and won 5 gold, 5 silver and a bronze medal competing in a variety of events including archery, swimming and discus. Joint winner is Paul McBride, the man who has done an amazing job of promoting and fundraising, so that this brave young man can have “a perfect chin”.
4. John McGlinchey, Raphoe
A tireless worker for his community in Raphoe, John has played a pivotal role in every local community effort to make life better for the people who live there. He is a founder member of the “Voice for Older People”, “Raphoe Reconciliation Group” and “Family Support Project” to name but a few!
5. James White, Ballyshannon & Donegal Town
Hotelier Jim White, for his entrepreneurial skills and providing employment and support to all who ask for assistance, within the county, ranging from sponsorship of the County GAA team to his recent fundraising effort to raise money for cancer support services in the county, during which he raised over ½ million euros.
6. Phyllis McKenna, Muff
Phyllis has been at the centre of community activity for almost half a century,a founding member of, and active participant in, most of the community organisations in Muff. Her interest in the arts, history and culture, together with enthusiasm,vitality, impish humour and caring personality goes some way to explaining her many achievements.
7. Dr. Peter Sweeney, Dungloe
For his outstanding work, dedication and friendship to those in the community of Dungloe, as a doctor, an advocate for those in need, a pioneer in the setting up of the emergency care system in the county, and the first voice to recognise the need for defibrillators to be present in ambulances and GP’s surgeries. A quote from one of the many letters nominating him for an Award sums up the admiration that many in the Rosses area feel for him “They don’t make Doctors like that any more."
8. Margaret Toner, Letterkenny
A founder member of the “Domestic Refuge for Women & Children”, “Parents Against Drugs & Alcohol Abuse”, “PACT Lone Parents Group”, Chairperson of the County Drug Task Force. Margaret has worked with great passion and commitment to the Letterkenny Community Development Project and motivates and directs all involved with her dedication and energy.
9. Francis Porter, Buncrana
For his contribution to, and encouraging and supporting the youth of, Inishowen. A founder member of the Buncrana Youth Club, Boxing Club, Youth Accordian Band, Basketball Club, you name it, Francis is involved! He has been a community activist as long as anyone can remember in Buncrana and has never been known to refuse his services to any organisation or charitable institution.
10. Noel Cunningham, Killybegs
This popular TV3 personality never forgets his community of Killybegs and was nominated for his contribution to his local community through many aspects. As a founding member of the Millennium Project, active in the Tidy Towns Committee, the Memorial Garden and the unstinting giving of his time as MC at many fundraising functions, his positive outlook and thoughtful caring nature made him a popular choice.
HALL OF FAME AWARD - The Adjudicators discretionary Hall of Fame Award goes to: Joseph McMenamin, Ballybofey/Stranorlar
Over half a century, and despite many recessions in the building industry, he is perceived as a man responsible for creating employment for many in the county and has steadfastly remained loyal to the ethos of employing local craftsmen who would otherwise have emigrated during the dark days of unemployment in the country, building schools, factories and houses which might easily have gone to large national companies. He is a co-founder of the Butt Hall, Ballybofey and has been a supporter of many community activities and charitable endeavours within the Twin Towns area throughout his lifetime.
The presentation of the Awards will take place at a Gala Banquet and Awards Ceremony in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, on Saturday March 29th, 2008.