Individuals and organisations from the local sports, arts and community sectors were honoured last week at an event hosted by the outgoing Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Cllr. Jerome Scanlan.
Limerick Marine Search and Rescue, World Championship winning handballers from around the county, the head of the County Limerick Youth Choir, and the Dromcollogher and District Respite Care Centre were amongst a number of groups and individuals honoured at Limerick County Hall, Dooradoyle.
Councillor Jerome Scanlan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council said the purpose of the reception was “To celebrate the achievements of numerous groups and individuals who in their own way have made a significant contribution to their local community or who have achieved considerable success in their respective field of expertise.”
The first recipients of scrolls marking the occasion were handballers from various clubs around the county who won World Championship medals in recent months. They included Martina McMahon and Seamus O’Carroll (Cappagh), Bernie Hennessy, (Hospital), CJ Fitzpatrick, Tom O’Brien and Evan Murphy (Broadford), and Ben Walsh (Laochra Laimhne na Mhodscoile).
Cllr. Scanlan commented: “You are being given official recognition for your outstanding efforts and for having made an excellent contribution to Limerick’s longstanding, proud sporting reputation”.
Meanwhile, four individuals involved in the local arts scene and four community groups were also honoured at the civic ceremony. They included Limerick Marine Search and Rescue of whom Cllr. Scanlan commented: “In honouring Limerick Marine Search and Rescue, the Council is recognising the contributions of the many members and volunteers that have helped underline the extremely important role played by the Unit. In doing so, we are also expressing our appreciation and the appreciation of the people of Limerick of the role of all statutory bodies, volunteer organisations and individuals who contribute to emergency response efforts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
The Irish Red Cross was also honoured for humanitarian work carried out by members for the benefit of thousands of distressed people at home and abroad. The Cathaoirleach stated: “Many people are familiar with the long tradition of service given by the Red Cross overseas. However, the organisation also carries out a tremendous amount of work at home. We have a very active Red Cross movement here in Limerick with branches in East Limerick, Limerick City, Ballyneety/Ballybricken/Bruff, Kilfinane, Shanagolden, Glin, Newcastle West, Rathkeale and Adare.”
Cllr. Scanlan proceeded to recognise the staff and management of Dromcollogher and District Respite Care Centre for their contribution to the communities of Limerick, North Cork, North Kerry and East Clare. He commented: “The story of the Centre goes back to the late 1990s when the idea for the facility was first mooted by Seamus Stack and others at a time when no community-based respite care centre existed anywhere in the country. Since 2002, the Centre has provided care on a 24 hours, 7 days a week, 50 weeks a year basis” with the assistance of a qualified and efficient group of registered nurses, care assistants, auxiliary and administrative staff. By celebrating the Centre, the Council is recognising your valuable contribution towards helping to keep older people in their own homes and own community.”
The final recipient of a civic reception was Austin Cregan who was honoured for his contribution to the Lough Gur Group Water Scheme. “Over the past decade, Austin and other members of the local community have made considerable headway in dealing with substandard water supplies with their crown and glory coming a few years ago with the completion of the Lough Gur Group Water Scheme DBO project. This presentation also recognises the vibrant partnership approach between the group water scheme sector and Limerick County Council in implementing the rural water programme,” explained Cllr. Scanlan.