Volunteers gave over 90 years of service to area

By Mary Dennehy

WITH a combined 90 years of volunteering service between them, two of Tallaght’s Trojan volunteers were recognised last week for their contribution to the area and for leading the way for others.

Tallaght is renowned for its community spirit, activism and volunteering and this culture of participation was nurtured by many residents who, in the late ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, worked tirelessly for the development of services and community facilities in the area.

Last week, two of these people, Jim Lawlor and Maurice McConnell, were recognised and honoured for their contribution during a special presentation made by Tallaght Community Council [TCC].

Well-known faces around the area, Jim and Maurice have clocked up a combined 90 years of volunteering service through their involvement with TCC.

Now living in Old Bawn, Jim’s family has been living in Tallaght for generations and hail from Kilininny cottages, while Maurice moved to Tallaght as a newly-wed in the 1970s.

According to TCC chair, Gerard Stockil, both men set up home here in Tallaght, reared their families and, after all of these years, continue to be very active in the service of their hometown.

Surprising Jim and Maurice with Honorary Membership of TCC, Mr Stockil said that the presentation was being bestowed “in grateful appreciation of their incredible voluntary service to Tallaght, active service which continues to inspire and motivate the other volunteers to continue the work of TCC into the next 45 years”.

Held in Molloy’s, the special ceremony was attended by members of TCC and the proud friends and family of Jim and Maurice.

TCC is currently organising Tallafest 2016, which will take place in Tallaght Village on Saturday, September 3.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer at this year’s Tallafest is invited to register online at www.tallafest.ie