Kells Tidy Towns heroes honoured for invaluable contributions to their communities
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Ronan Leonard and Cormac Corr of Kells Credit Union with prize winner Rose Molloy.Image 2 of 15
Imelda Smith of Super Valu Kells with prize winner PJ SmithImage 3 of 15
Deputy Darren O’Rourke with prize winners from Cherryhill EstateImage 4 of 15
Catriona Farrelly and Liz Murtagh presenting the Philip Heary Shield to Carol CurranImage 5 of 15
Fr John Byrne presenting a specially commissioned engraved crystal piece to the late Eileen McKenna’s brother, Gerry and sister, Philomena (Cookie) in memory of Eileen.Image 6 of 15
Deirdre & John Hetherton presenting the Sean & Mary Hetherton Perpetual Cup to PJ & Regina SmithImage 7 of 15
Deputy Darren O’Rourke with recently retired Meath County Council Outdoor Staff member Michael McGuinnessImage 8 of 15
Garda Maeve Gallagher making a presentation to Michael (Mickey) Owens of Rockfield Estate in recognition of his many years of voluntary workImage 9 of 15
Imelda Smith & Margaret Reddy of Super Valu Kells making a presentation to Kay DuignanImage 10 of 15
Imelda Smith of Super Valu Kells making a presentation to volunteer Birgit BerkenkopfImage 11 of 15
Larry O’Brien of Super Valu Kells making a presentation to volunteer John MeehanImage 12 of 15
Larry O’Brien of Super Valu Kells making a presentation to Philip FarrellyImage 13 of 15
Larry O’Brien of Super Valu Kells making a presentation to Hughie McConnellImage 14 of 15
Julie Mary Gillick of Super Valu Kells making a presentation to Liam MullanImage 15 of 15
Larry O’Brien of Super Valu Kells with Jackie Flangan of The EmporiumANN CASEY
Over 60 people received awards at the Kells Tidy Towns Presentation Night for their individual and community involvement in enhancement work for Kells.
The event, in the Headfort Arms Hotel, was attended by Deputy Darren O’Rourke, Cllr Michael Gallagher, Rev Fr John Byrne, and family representatives of former committee members. The MC for the night was secretary, Rachael Magorrian, who outlined details of the work that had taken place in the past year by Kells Tidy Towns in conjunction with Meath County Council, the local primary and post primary schools, the various residents’ associations, the Pride of Place and Local Heroes groups.
She said Kells is going from strength to strength and this would not be possible without the wonderful support from Supervalu Kells, Mr Larry O’Brien, Meath County Council and the public representatives at local and national level.
Volunteers - Martin Flanagan, David Weir, John Meehan, Liam Galligan, Pat Barron, John Curran, Birgit Berkenkopf, PJ Smyth, Frank Flinter and Hughie McConnell who every Saturday and Sunday clean the town were honoured with a generous gift voucher from Supervalu and Kells Tidy Towns.
Larry O’Brien said he was delighted to be associated for the past 25 years with Kells Tidy Towns and congratulated all the recipients for receiving their awards as well as the volunteers,
Deputy Darren O’Rourke the Tidy Towns Committee and the various individuals and residents who continue to make that invaluable contribution to Kells.
Deputy O’Rourke and Cllr Michael Gallagher and Garda Maeve Gallagher on presented a number of awards to various individuals.
Special tributes were paid, both by the secretary and the chairman, Brian Curran, to the memory of the late Eileen McKenna (nee McGrane), who passed away since our last presentation awards night. A specially commissioned engraved crystal piece in memory of Eileen was presented to Eileen’s brother, Gerry and sister, Philomena (Cookie) by Fr John Byrne a minute’s silence observed for various other members of the committee who died in the past year and families who were bereaved.
Brian Curran outlined the contribution of a number of people who were honoured on the night for their contribution to Kells. These included Michael (Mickey) Owens for his lifelong association and voluntary work in the Rockfield Estate, Kay Deignan for her lifelong contribution to various voluntary groups, Angela Ryan for her dedication to the Local Heroes, Liam Mullen and Ray Farrelly for their exceptional work in Cherryhill Estate,
Courtney Curran and Sinead Curran both received individual youth awards for their contribution to Kells Tidy Towns over many years.
Jackie Flanagan, The Emporium, received first place, the Commercial Award, for an enchanting shop window display, at all times.
The Headfort Arms Hotel received the Large Commercial Award for both hospitality and a high standard of maintenance.
The Positive Public Relations Award went to Ronan Leonard, of Kells Credit Union for his outstanding positive public relations all year round through social media and through the offices of Kells Credit Union.
Particular credit was given to Michael (Mickey) McGuinness, a member of the outdoor staff of Meath County Council who recently retired, after many years of service. The Chairman spoke very highly of the contribution Michael made to the welfare of Kells.
Additional individual awards were presented to David Rountree for his work with Kells Local Authority over many years.
PJ Smyth was recognised for his outstanding community spirit and voluntary work to the residents of St Colmcille’s Villas over many years and was the recipient of the Person of the Year Award.
The Home of Excellence Awards went to: Liam Galligan, Cherryhill Estate; Paul and Rose Molloy, The Glebe, Archdeaconry and Betty Smith, Kenlis Crescent.
The following awards were presented to:
Other prize winners were Dolores Lynch, The Carrick; PJ & Regina Smith, St. Colmcille’s Villasl; Liam Galligan, Cherryhill Estate; Lucy & Tommy Cussen, Church Lane; Paul & Rose Molloy, Moynalty Road; Carol & John Curran, Cavan Road; Eddie & Marie Mitchell, Headfort Grove; PJ Smyth; Kevin & Catriona McGeough, Headfort Grove; Cherryhill Estate and Headfort Grove