Krafty Kidz!
By Hayden Moore
IT’S BACK! Now in its 37th year, the celebration of all that makes the community tick, the Tallaght Person of the Year Awards is gearing up for its latest event on November 16.
At its core, Tallaght Person of the Year is about recognising all that is great about the area, and with nominations now open, the public is being encouraged to nominate the individual, group, organisation, sports club or business that make an impact.
At last year’s ceremony – Gerry Stockill (TCC), Emmet Kirwan (guest of honour) with Krafty Kidz staff Jennifer, Liz, Susan, Susanne, Sinead, and Pat Hardiman (TCC)
Enhancing pride in our community, this year’s award ceremony will be in the Red Cow Moran Hotel with Youth Olympic double gold-medallist Rhasidat Adeleke as the Special Guest.
There is the overall winner named on the night as well as winners in nine categories for Art and Culture, Sgt Andrew Callanan Community, Michael Dooley Environment, Learning and Innovation, Philip Preston Sport, Maurice McConnell Youth Award, Heart of Gold, Special Needs and Carers, and Business.
Krafty Kidz in Saggart were named joint-winners in the Business category last year alongside Lidl Fortunestown.
Set up by Old Bawn sisters Jennifer Farrell and Susan Adams in July of 2017 after the former was made redundant and the latter had completed her degree in social care – the girls decided to set up their own business, a breakfast and afterschool club.
Thinking back to when they were announced as joint-winners, Jennifer told The Echo: “It was a bit of a shock when we were even nominated, and then it was even more shock when we were called out.
“It felt like such an achievement being such a new business as well because it was tough until that point and don’t get me wrong it is still tough but it was just so nice to get that recognition.
“We had a great night at it, we used it as our Christmas night out and all the girls went – we really had such a great time.
“We had a big party with the kids and all afterwards.”
Since they won the business of the year award, Jennifer and Susan opened a second Krazy Kidz in Kill, Kildare just two months ago.
Speaking about the pride of being able to use the ‘Business Award Winner’ tag since last year’s event, Jennifer added: “Obviously we won the award when we just had Saggart, but we have found that it has helped especially with our new place in Kill because we can say that we won the award in a place that maybe wouldn’t be as familiar with what we do – it gives that little bit more to be able to sell your business.
“In terms of advertising, it’s that little bit more to put on the ads in the paper or on leaflets. It is a good bit of publicity and it was huge for to us to be acknowledged for all of the hard work we put into it.”
The nomination process kicked off on Monday, September 30 and will close on Monday, October 28 – people have been urged to nominate their unsung hero.
To nominate in one of the nine categories, simply visit www.tallaghtpersonawards.ie/nominate/ and fill out the fields.
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