#TPOTY2015 And the winners are…
By Mary Dennehy and Simon Walsh
The Tallaght community came together on Friday night to recognise and celebrate those who make Tallaght what it is.
The only not-for-profit, community-based people awards in Ireland, the 32nd Tallaght Person of the Year saw almost 400 people gather to recognise and applaud all of the great work that goes on in Tallaght – and the area’s inspirational community spirit, pride and talent.
The main award of the night, The Tallaght Person of the Year 2015, went to Tallaght Rugby Club’s Philip Preston for his tireless work with the club and the greater community.
Speaking afterwards Philip said: “To be nominated in any category in the Tallaght Person of the Year is a highlight to me, but to win this is just amazing.
“I think when all the people in Tallaght who go in week in and week out, in hail, rain and sunshine, to do what they do in the community, is an amazing thing and these are the heroes in Tallaght.”
A celebration of Tallaght’s strong tradition of volunteering and its army of unsung heroes, the annual awards, organised by Tallaght Community Council, is an integral part of local life and a glowing reminder of all that is good about living, working and playing in Dublin 24.
This year a record number of nominations were received, with 115 individuals, community groups, clubs and businesses nominated across the award’s eight categories.
Among the other winners on the night were An Cosán, who collected the Sgt Callanan Community Award, while Michael J Whelan from Old Bawn scooped the Arts and Culture prize.
Danielle Millea of Couture Beauty picked up the Business award and Kiltipper Ramblers, who came to the event in their droves, took home the Michael Dooley Environment Award.
Elsewhere, in the Sport category, the work of Christy Banks of Greenhills Archery Club was recognised with the winning prize, while Tallaght Deaf Club were awarded the prize in the Youth Category.
In the Special Needs and Carers category, Layton Kelly of Brookview was the winner, while Tallaght Community Council also presented five very special merit awards to Benny Myers, Sean Lambe, Johnny Fox, Jack Collins and Nicola Moore.
The demand for tickets this year was a true reflection of the communities desire to celebrate their hometown and the people who make it such a great place to live, with even Tallaght Fianna Fail councillor Charlie O’ Connor finding it difficult to get his hands on a ticket!
For all the reaction and pictures from what was a superb event don’t forget to grab your copy of next week’s Echo, on sale in shops and online on Thursday.
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