Al Porter – special guest at 32nd Tallaght Person of the Year

Speaking to his local paper, Al said: “I was delighted to accept the invitation to this year’s Tallaght Person of the Year, my whole career is based around Tallaght – I did my first comedy shows in Captain Americas in Tallaght, based some of my early characters on people in my school and still to this day have people from Tallaght popping up at all my shows, including a recent show in London.

“There’s people from Tallaght at every gig, they always come along and support me as their neighbour first and then as a comedian they like.

“I always say, and my mam disagrees with me on this one, that you can’t simply be proud of an area just because you’re from there – that’s a stupid reason.

“Real pride is something that you gain from experiences, and all of the people I meet in Tallaght make me proud to be from my area.”

He added: “I’ve been performing since I was five and feel at ease on any stage.

“However, I never feel as comfortable as when I’m sitting in The Square with the people I grew up with. 
“I’m practically in The Square every day, I go over to meet friends, people-watch and write – I feel really at home there.”

Last year, Al moved out of Tallaght into the city centre, but while he enjoyed the social life, he missed life in Tallaght and has moved back home.

“I think people from Tallaght are cheeky, chancers and gossipers, they always have a story,” he said.

“We’re also the most open, caring, compassionate people and it was no surprise to me that one of the highest Yes votes nationally in the Marriage Referendum was in Tallaght.

“People across Tallaght like to help each other and they like to volunteer in their communities and it’s great that we have an awards night that recognises that.”

Nominations for the 32nd Tallaght Person of the Year awards are open, with people encouraged to nominate their heroes under the categories of arts and culture, business, community, environment, heart of gold and sport – with winners announced at the glitzy gala dinner in the Red Cow Pavilion on Friday, November 20.

Nominate your unsung hero now on www.tallaghtpersonawards.ie

Tickets cost €35 for October and €40 from November – and include a four-course meal, entertainment and live music.

Drop into The Echo office on Main Road, Tallaght, on Thursdays or Fridays only between 10am and 4pm to access the box office or for further queries call a TCC committee member on 085 1840709.

This year TCC are also inviting local businesses to show support for the community they are based in by becoming a sponsor for one of the categories – there are seven categories, so seven sponsorship places available.

This is a great opportunity to further strengthen ties between the voluntary and business communities in Tallaght, and any business interested is encouraged to contact TCC on 085 1840709.