Making Dublin a special place
ST JOHN’S ambulance mentor Michael Cardiff was among those recognised for their sterling contributions to society with a Lord Mayor Award 2024.
Ballyfermot man Michael, a member of St John Ambulance Ireland since the age of 11, started a life saving skills programme in 1997, teaching people CPR and cardiac defibrillation.
This ongoing programme has proven to be a huge success in the area with various organisations and businesses taking part including, Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard FC, Familibase and Ballyfermot Advance Project.
Through the programme, there are now 11 defibrillators in Ballyfermot.
Two years ago, Mick and his wife Michelle were left with life changing injuries following a freak accident while walking home.
A collision between two vehicles on the road, saw one of the cars collide with the pair on the footpath.
A GoFundMe page, set up by Becca Lynch, raised close to €60,000, which included a €20,000 donation from UFC champion Conor McGregor.
Hannah Tyrrell recognised with the Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste in the Mansion House
Mick’s legacy continues with the award, and he follows in the footsteps of previous winners which include Jim Gavin, Ronnie Delaney, Dave Fanning and Maeve Binchy.
Another recipient was Clondalkin native Hannah Tyrrell, a multitalented sports star who has enjoyed success at the highest levels in rugby, GAA and soccer.
Hannah won 30 caps for Ireland’s Sevens rugby team from 2014 to 2020.
In GAA, she has won honours at both club level, and inter-country level.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste presenting the Lord Mayor’s Award to Irish language activist, Julian de Spáinn. Photos by Conor McCabe
In 2023, she was awarded Player of the Match in Dublin’s All-Ireland victory over Kerry.
In soccer, Hannah has won the FAI Women’s Cup with St Catherine’s and also played for Shamrock Rovers, Dublin University AFC and Ireland Universities.
Hannah is a mental health advocate and a former ambassador for RPI Tackle Your Feelings wellbeing campaign and ambassador for Pieta House.
Meanwhile, Cherry Orchard residents group the Stone Soup Project, was also recognised for their positive work in the community.
Established in 2008, the project took over a waste ground zoned for housing that never materialised.
Local residents spearheaded the repurposing of the park.
With the help of volunteers, the group built a Bridge of Hope on site to pay tribute to those in the area who have died by suicide.
There is also a grotto built from mostly donated materials.
The result is a beautiful park that truly represents the spirit of the people and the neighbourhood.
Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste, and a Cherry Orchard resident, said: “These are people and groups who make Dublin a special place to live in and I am honoured to be able to publicly acknowledge them and their achievements tonight and to thank them on behalf of the people of Dublin for their contribution to this great city.”
