The 2024 Dundalk Municipal District Civic Awards celebrated the unique achievements of 13 nominees, who were awarded for their outstanding contribution to society in a ceremony at County Hall recently.
The awards, which are set by legislation under Section 74 of the Local Government Act 2001, as a reserved function, and reinforced by the Local Government Reform Act, 2014, Section 131 A(1)(b) allows Municipal Districts to hold and grant Municipal Awards annually to local individuals or groups.
Following a nomination and consideration process; awards are granted to inspirational persons or groups, or those who achieve outstanding goals, demonstrate unwavering service to the community, and/or who represent the community nationally or internationally. In short to people who help or inspire others and who make Dundalk a wonderful place to live and be.
This year Dundalk District Elected Members nominated thirteen such recipients for the 2024 Dundalk Municipal Civic Awards.
The awards ceremony began with Members of Louth Fire Service bringing the National and County Flags on parade while a bagpiper played the National Anthem.
The Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, Cllr. Sean Kelly, welcomed nominees and their invited guests, saying: “Our Annual Dundalk Municipal Civic Awards is the council’s opportunity to say thank you. A thank you to those who help or inspire others and who make Dundalk a wonderful place to live and be. Dundalk and North Louth is a fantastic place to call home and it is the people who make it so, people like the awardees for 2024. They embody kindness, compassion, dedication, and most of all community spirit. We the elected officials of Dundalk are declaring that we appreciate you and we recognise the work you do.
Community work is not easy, its countless hours of time outside your daily jobs and family commitments, but because of their contribution we have fantastic sports clubs, inspiring support groups, vital care for animals, a rich heritage of music and an environment and local area that is kept in top notch condition.”
He added that the evening was an opportunity to honour a number of people who had sadly passed away but were being recognised posthumously for their incredible contributions to their community. “All too often we don’t get the chance to say the things we wanted to say to our loved ones before they pass, but I hope this recognition by the council will offer solace and comfort that their memory is being kept alive, preserved and now remembered in history by their local authority.”
Bryan Coughlan, Senior Executive Officer, Louth County Council, then called each of the nominees forward to be presented with their awards by Cathaoirleach Cllr Sean Kelly.
Awardees
The late Rory Kennedy
Rory Kennedy was posthumously recognised for his dedication and commitment to the development of Irish music in Dundalk and the surrounding areas. He was born in 1924 into a family where music and all things Irish were very important and growing up he became known as the “fiddler” as he would try his hand at various instruments including the mouth organ and piano accordion. In 1958 Rory was one of the key individuals who founded the first branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Dundalk and went on to initiate Fleadh Dhún Dealgan in 1959, which drew musicians and dancers from all over Ireland to Dundalk. Rory was also an Irish language enthusiast and contributed to the survival and promotion of the traditional culture in Dundalk in the latter half of the twentieth century culminating in being honoured by Cumann na Saggart for his services to the Irish language and culture.
The late Owen Gray
Owen Gray was recognised posthumously for his remarkable contribution to local charities. He was a well-known figure and businessman who was best known for his involvement in many cabarets in Dundalk, raising thousands of euro for local charities. The first cabaret he organised was in 1990, having previously staged talent competitions, again to support charity.
The late Niall Gallagher
Niall was recognised posthumously for his dedication to women’s football in Dundalk and his commitment to the Fatima Residents Association. Niall founded Castletown Girls Football Club in 1988, initially to enter the Community Games but with Niall as chairman of the club it grew into what would become the best in the country within 18 years culminating in winning the Women’s Football Association of Ireland Cup final in 2005. In 2016 Niall returned to his roots by founding the County’s only all-girl side, Castletown Belles in his beloved Fatima where he took up the role of Chairman. He also was instrumental in the redevelopment of his beloved Bainseach field in his role as Chairperson of Fatima Residents Association, a role he held for over 20 years.
Paula Gorham
Paula Gorham was awarded in recognition of her achievements on the football field and advocacy for young women in the sport. Her competitive football career started at the early age of 11 where she played with the Blackthorn Ladies football team at the Dundalk Maytime Festival. She went on to play for Dundalk Ladies and was part of the team who played against Corinthians Nomads in a famous groundbreaking game in 1970. When the Dundalk team disbanded, Paula played with the Boyne in Drogheda and later with Dublin Team, the Avengers. Paula played on Ireland’s first ever football women’s team where she scored three goals in the national team’s first international game which was against Wales in 1973. Paula’s international career ended in 1978 and she was inducted into the FAI Hall of Fame in 2021.
Sonya Van Kalkeren
Sonya was awarded in recognition of founding the Save Our Homeless Charitable Organisation and her ongoing supports to help those less fortunate. In 2016, Sonya set up the charity in response to concerns over people sleeping rough on the streets of Dundalk. Initially Sonya offered help and support to people who didn’t know how or where to turn to when they were facing homelessness. Sonya and her charity have helped put food on tables and are at the forefront sourcing household furniture and equipment for those in need. This level of support also extended to Christmas where she helps families provide toys, food and other assistance when needed most. Although a registered charity, Save our Homeless Dundalk do not receive any funding and therefore rely solely on donations and generosity of the general public.
Mary Curran
Mary Curran received her award in recognition of her many years voluntary service to Clan na Gael Gaelic Football Club. Mary has served in a number of roles within Clan na Gael and for the last 40 years Mary has been the most dedicated member and worker within the club. First elected to service on the management committee in 1984 Mary has held officer posts such as Secretary, Assistant Secretary and was elected Vice Chairperson in 1990, becoming the first female member to hold this position. Outside of Clan Na Gael, Mary’s sense of Community was ever present in projects throughout the Cox’s Demense area down through the years. She taught the young people of Cox’s how to bake in the Summer Youth Project in the late 80s early 90s again breaking societal norms. Having gone back to college at aged 60 to gain her Degree in humanities, Mary became a mentor in the Redeemer Pilot scheme, a project for re-educating people who left school early.
Conor Hughes
Conor Hughes was awarded in recognition of his charity work for those less fortunate. Crosscause activities began in 1998 when a group of volunteers started working with special needs orphans in Romania and in 2003 Crosscause became officially registered Irish Charity, led from day one by Conor Hughes. Over the years he has become well known for his annual St. Stephen’s Day charity fundraisers on Blackrock beach.
Ann Larkin
Ann Larkin was awarded in recognition of many years championing women’s rights in Dundalk and her ongoing work with the Women’s Aid Service. Women’s Aid Dundalk is an organisation which supports women and children are experiencing, or experienced, domestic violence. Accommodation and support is available to women and their children on a round the clock basis, offering a listening ear, non-judgemental advice and assistance where and when it is needed and wanted. In her role as Manager of the Service, Ann’s passion, drive and commitment to this service has seen it grow significantly over the years. Ann has championed women’s rights for over 20 years and has overseen the expansion of the service and its vision for its long-term future at Highfield, Dundalk.
Lucy Rafferty
Lucy was awarded in recognition of over 40 years dedication to the people of Muirhevnamor as a Youth and Community Worker. Lucy has been helping, assisting and supporting young people in Muirhevnamor since the 1980’s and has formed many groups from “Parents Aware” to sitting on the Muirhevnamor Community Council. Lucy’s involvement with the Community Gardens project is also commendable and a lasting legacy for the community.
Joe McLaughlin and Tess Coleman
Joe McLaughlin and Tess Coleman received their award in recognition of over 40 years retail service and support to the people of Dundalk and surrounding areas. Whilst Joe and Tess were heavily involved in the retail trade, both worked silently behind the scenes supporting those who found themselves in hard time and those who were less fortunate. Joe and Tess are widely known in the community as every schoolchild and parent that graced the door of their shops were treated to freebies from time to time but also those residents of the community would visit Joes to find a listening ear.
Omeath Tidy Towns
Omeath Tidy Towns Organisation is honoured in recognition of their voluntary contribution to the upkeep and maintenance of Omeath Village. Established in 2008, Omeath Tidy Towns Organisation is a small, hardworking group of residents who have had a transformative impact on the environmental presentation and amenity value of the lovely coastal village. Resilience, creativity, developing partnerships and attention to detail sees Omeath perform to a high standard in national and local tidy towns competitions. Examples of these achievements are achieving an Endeavour Award in the National Tidy Towns in 2012 along with being runners up in the Island and Coastal Community Category of the IPB Pride of Place Competition in 2020. Most recently they won the Most Improved Award and Tree Award in the Louth Looking Good Competition in 2022.
Dundalk Tidy Towns
Dundalk Tidy Towns committee was honoured in recognition of their voluntary work in creating a cleaner and greener environment for the people of Dundalk. Dundalk Tidy Towns, work with the local community and businesses alike to improve the aesthetic appearance of the town, promoting volunteerism from the local community to help with litter picks and Spring cleanups. Dundalk Tidy Towns has achieved Gold Medal status in the Tidy Towns Awards every year from 2007 to 2019, as well as a large town category winner in 2022 in the Pollinator Award. They have also been 1st runner up in the Sustainable Development Goals Award and highly commended in the county category.
Dundalk Dog Rescue
Dundalk Dog Rescue were awarded in recognition of their continued voluntary efforts in providing a second chance for dogs and educating the public on responsible dog ownership. Dundalk Dog Rescue is an entirely voluntary non-profit making organisation set up in 2005 by a group of people in the community of Dundalk and the surrounding areas. Their mission is to rescue and provide a second chance for dogs that are at risk of being euthanised, as well as to facilitate their rehabilitation and adoption. Dogs can end up in pounds for various reasons, however, Dundalk Dog Rescue encourage responsible dog ownership and advocate the vaccination, micro chipping and neutering of family pets.
Dundalk Municipal Awards 2024
Dundalk Municipal Awards 2024
Dundalk Municipal Awards
Dundalk Municipal Awards
Dundalk Municipal Awards 2024
Dundalk Municipal Awards
Dundalk Municipal Awards
Dundalk Municipal Awards
Dundalk Municipal Awards
Dundalk Municipal Awards
Dundalk Municipal Awards
Dundalk Municipal Awards
Dundalk Municipal Awards
Dundalk Municipal Awards
Dundalk Municipal Awards
Dundalk Municipal Awards
Dundalk Municipal Awards 2024
Dundalk Municipal Awards
