Dubs star Denis helps launch Tallaght Person of the Year 2017
NOMINATIONS for this year’s Tallaght Person of the Year are open, with members of the public encouraged to recognise, appreciate and nominate the unsung heroes in their communities.
Now in its 34th year, the Tallaght Person of the Year awards is a reflection of the area’s unrivalled community spirit, volunteerism and activism – with residents still working tirelessly for the betterment of their communities since the first families came to settle in Tallaght’s new estates in the sixties.
Maybe the inherent sense of volunteerism that has been passed down through Tallaght’s generations is due to the fact that the area had very little in the early days, and was at times forgotten in the years that followed, with residents and businesses uniting to build their community into something great.
For the past 34 years, the Tallaght Person of the Year awards has recognised the many acts of volunteerism that have positively shaped communities in Tallaght, with people of all ages, backgrounds and interests being nominated, applauded and awarded.
Last Saturday, September 23, the 34th Tallaght Person of the Year was launched in Molloy’s pub in Tallaght Village, and was attended by members of the public, past winners, local politicians, community leaders and many more.
Organised by Tallaght Community Council (TCC), the awards are now open for nominations – with residents encouraged to nominate their unsung hero before the nomination process closes at 5pm on October 23. The awards ceremony and dinner will take place in the Red Cow Moran’s Hotel ballroom on November 17.
The awards, which are apolitical, contain seven categories – Arts and Culture, Business, Community, Environment, Special Needs and Carers, Heart of Gold and Sports and Youth.
Gerry Stockil, Chair of TCC, told The Echo: “The Tallaght Person of the Year awards show a consistency between the generations.
“People have been doing fantastic work year after year across all of the area’s voluntary sectors and the awards recognise that.
“I would encourage residents to recognise people’s efforts and to nominate, with their nomination not only recognising a person but also showing how great a place Tallaght is.
“We are delighted to have sporting legend and Tallaght native, Denis Bastick as our special guest for the awards this year. Denis epitomises what dedication and team work can achieve and is a great ambassador for Tallaght and the spirit of the awards.
“This year our Youth Category award will be renamed the Maurice McConnell Youth Award, in honour of the late Maurice McConnell and founding TCC member who sadly passed away last month.”
At the launch on Saturday, last year’s winners returned their perpetual trophy and received a special trophy to keep.
The current Tallaght Person of the Year is Simon Sweeney, who founded the Kiltipper Ramblers Walking club and formed the Help the Hills campaign, which aims to preserve Ireland’s upland walking trails.
For further information and to nominate visit www.tallaghtpersonawards.ie, where an online nomination form is now available. Alternatively email tallaghtperson@gmail.com, message the Facebook page or contact any member of TCC.
