Hats off to Nico as he is announced as Tallaght Person of the Year 2023

WHEN Nico Crowley was announced as this year’s Tallaght Person of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony in the Civic Theatre on Sunday evening, he was in utter disbelief.

The Millbrook Lawns native, who is well known in the community for being involved in sports clubs, charitable causes and as a well-liked taxi driver, proudly wore his late father’s trilby on the night.

His father, Robert Crowley, passed away in 2005 and Nico always wears his father’s beloved hat – which is nearing 40 years old – at important events.

He briefly took it off when outgoing Tallaght Person of the Year Zak Moradi presented him with the ceremonial chains, and swiftly put it back on again.

“The hat was a hat that my dad wore, and it sat at the end of his coffin when he passed away,” Nico told The Echo.

“It’s stayed with me since he passed away, and I wear it so that he comes with me to events.

“He’d be very proud, and I know, deep down, there’d be a little tear in his eye from the sky.

“I’ll drop up to him in Bohernabreena Cemetery in the next few days to show him the chains.”

Being crowned Tallaght Person of the Year wasn’t something that humble Nico, 51, had expected, despite many years of charitable work in the community.

He has visited seriously ill children in Crumlin Children’s Hospital while dressed as Spiderman and handed out awards including Superhero and Princess for a Day, to the delight of the patients.

Nico has also pounded the pavement as a marathon runner, to raise funds for Suzanne House, Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, Debra Ireland and LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

A keen sportsman, Nico has managed teams for Tallaght Town FC and is heavily involved with Thomas GAA Club as his sons, Ryan and Zak, play for the club.

He also treads the boards as a performer for the St Mary’s Priory-based theatre group Now and Then Production Company, and his daughter, Rebecca, also has an interest in the performing arts.

Xquisite performed during Tallaght Person of the Year in the Civic. See our 8-page photo feature on pages 56 – 63

Cara Davey from the Now and Then Production Company said: “Nico is the most unassuming man, who does so much and never realises how much of a big difference it makes.”

The group that organised Tallaght Person of the Year, Tallaght Community Council (TCC), decided that, this year, Nico would be recognised for the difference he has made – much to his surprise.

He was one of many members of the community who had been nominated for the role by locals, with a panel of judges formed by TCC choosing Nico as this year’s winner.

“Just to be nominated for it is nearly enough,” Nico said. “There are so many good volunteers and groups out there and I see the work they do.

“I don’t deserve the award. I just do bits and pieces. But we all have one thing in common: keeping the community going.

“[Being Tallaght Person of the Year] hasn’t really sunk in yet. I’m just very honoured.”

While Nico said he’s unsure of what the next 12 months will bring, he knows he has the support of his wife Natalie and their children, and he’s keen to get to know the community even more.

As for his ambitions as this year’s Tallaght Person of the Year, Nico has a simple aim: “I’ll try to be the best version of me that I can possibly be, and that’s all that I can be.”

For full access to all content on Echo.ie and to support the continuation of local news and local journalism in your community subscribe HERE.

Thanks for your ongoing support.