Longford people and organisations recognised at Cathaoirleach Awards

Longford people and organisations recognised at Cathaoirleach Awards 
Celebrations as Cathaoirleach Awards for 2023 take place 

Press Release
12 June 2023

Longford County Council is pleased to announce the local people and groups recognised at the Cathaoirleach Awards, held on Friday, 9 June in Aras an Chontae, Great Water Street, Longford.

At the event the following people and groups were awarded:

• Ballycloughan Carrickboy Hall Committee was nominated by Ballymahon Municipal District. This group epitomises all that is good about community spirit having developed a derelict hall into a thriving community hub and in doing so, revitalising their entire community with numerous events taking place on a weekly and monthly basis. The work of this committee has safeguarded the future of the community for the next generations.
• Frank and Dolores Kiernan of Kiernan Steel were nominated by Longford Municipal District. From humble beginnings in 1989, Kiernan Steel has grown over the last 35 years to become one of Longford’s indigenous business success stories and one of Ireland’s leading steel manufacturing companies. Frank and Dolores with their family are steeped in our local community in Longford. They are magnanimous supporters of multiple organisations throughout the county and beyond. Their generous sponsorship greatly benefits voluntary organisations throughout the county.
• The Hillside Club, Ballinalee was nominated by Granard Municipal District. The Hillside Club has been operating for 23 years thanks to great committees both past and present. Current Chair Jimmy Fox collected the award on behalf of the club. The club meets every second Wednesday in Currycahill Hall, where they take part in many activities, enjoy refreshments, and occasionally venture away on day trips. This is a fantastic network for the elderly citizens in the parish and surrounding areas.
• Rogie “Owen" Martinwas nominated by Longford County Council. No stranger to anyone in GAA circles, Rogie “Owen" Martin was recognised for his many years of dedicated service to St Mary’s Granard GAA. Having played his first game with St Mary’s of Granard in 1954, Rogie also represented Longford at Junior, Intermediate and Senior Level and went on to coach teams in school and club football.

Speaking at the event, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Turlough McGovern said, “I am so pleased that my fellow councillors and I have this opportunity to recognise the excellent work and talents of all these great people. The generosity of these people with their time and abilities is what makes our communities in Longford so wonderful.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “It is great to mark the excellent work of Longford people with these Cathaoirleach Awards for 2023. The Council is delighted to give these people the recognition they more than deserve for their incredible work.”

Those attending the event were also treated to wonderful musical entertainment on the evening. Traditional music was played by members of the local group Strad while there were also two special performances from service users of St Christopher’s who this year, with the support of Longford County Council, released the ‘Six Hearts, One Soul’ CD. Rose McGuire performed ‘Caledonia’ and John Miller sang ‘Octopus’s Garden’.