At the launch of the 40th
Tallaght Person of the Year Awards
on Saturday
Tallaght Person of the Year launched
TALLAGHT Community Council (TCC) is celebrating a significant milestone this year as it launches the 40th Tallaght Person of the Year awards.
This community-led awards program was created in the 1980s by Charles and Mary Morton to celebrate the many everyday heroes, the many positive agents across the Tallaght community.
Since then, the awards program has grown in scale and stature in Tallaght.
The Tallaght Person of the Year is a much respected title to hold and the community awards program is eagerly anticipated each Autumn by their growing audience.
TCC launched the milestone awards program in The Station restaurant in Molloys, Tallaght village formally last Saturday to a large, enthusiastic crowd.
The launch was opened by the SDCC Mayor, Alan Edge, the outgoing Tallaght Person of the Year 2022, Zak Moradi and current TCC Chair, Roderick Smyth.
Geoff Tracey holding his award with Finn, Trina and Bobby
“We are extremely proud to have reached the milestone of 40 years of the awards as a volunteer committee.
“To be able to announce the launch of the program to such an eager gathering is both exciting and very rewarding.
“It underlines the commitment this committee and past committees have poured into the awards program to not only sustain it, but to develop and grow the program,” Roderick Smyth, volunteer Chair of TCC 2023/24.
The past winners from all eight categories gathered at the launch to hand back the bespoke perpetual category trophies to TCC as their tenures come to an end.
Tallaght Person of the Year Zak Moradi with Eddie Coyle from Tallaght Athletic Club and Mayor Alan Edge
Each category winner was presented with a personalised trophy from TCC to keep pride of place forever.
Many key Tallaght institutions such as TU Dublin, the Gardai, community groups and past holders of the coveted Tallaght Person of the Year title, joined the 2022 winners, along with many award sponsors at the launch as TCC announced the key details for the 40th award anniversary.
Local TDs Sean Crowe and John Lahart supported the launch and are regular attendees of the launch and the award ceremonies over many years.
Sgt Emer Lamon, Derek Riordan and Garda Mairead Lyttle at the launch on Saturday
Local councillors Teresa Costello, Charlie O’Connor and Lilian Gueret, joined Mayor Alan Edge representing SDCC at the launch.
South Dublin County Council are among the Gold headline sponsors for the awards, alongside Tallaght based businesses RHK Bars Ltd, Tallaght West and Tallaght District Credit Unions, Ocean Electric Ltd and AWS in Communities.
“We acknowledge and sincerely thank the sponsors of the awards for their partnership and support.
Xquisite Dance members Annabelle, Frankie, Pryia, Evie and Emilie
Their support in the community-led program is fundamental to the ongoing development of the program, the brand, the reputation and the positive impact it delivers each year.
It’s particularly pleasing to see some businesses, founded by Tallaght natives, among the headline sponsors again this year.
“This shows the grassroots respect, support and commitment for the awards.”
Tara De Buitlear, volunteer Awards PR and Marketing Manager.
The TCC Chair Roderick proudly introduced Tallaght comedian, writer and director Al Porter to the launch attendees as the MC for the milestone awards ceremony.
This announcement was welcomed with a large cheer from all gathered at the launch event.
Al spoke of the importance the awards hold, how they shine a light on those who deserve it, those who get out and do so many great things for their community and others.
The 2023 awards program will open for nominations on the 30th of September for nominations online on the Tallaght Community Council website HERE.
Nominations will remain open for 28 days, closing on Saturday, October, 28.
The awards ceremony will be held in The Civic theatre, on Sunday, November 12.
The awards ceremony will be MCed by Al Porter, entertainment on the night will include performances from Xquisite Dance and Tallaght Choral Society, among others.
Tickets will be on sale from the end of October.
For more pictures see pages 52 and 53 of this week’s Echo (Edition September 28th)
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