HERE at Clare Echo HQ, we love highlighting local people being honoured for doing brilliant things.
Currently National Positive Aging Week is being celebrated nationwide, and to coincide with that the Clare Older Peoples Volunteer of the Year awards took place yesterday at the Templegate Hotel in Ennis.
Local photographer Arthur Ellis was on hand for the event and he got some lovely snaps of volunteers collecting their awards with family and friends.
Overall winner Bridget Kirby, Shannon, was in Ennis to collect her award with her daughter Claire O’Grady, while John Monahan, Ennis, took home the Highly Commended award, with his 8 year old grandaughter Emer Monahan, Belfast.
Also enjoying festivities were Vera Vaughan, Maye Hogan and Mike Hogan (Highly Commended award), all from Kilkishen, Toni Greene, Family Carers Ireland and Chairman Miltown Malbay Support Group, Luke Madden (8), Aibhlin Madden (7), Donal Og Madden (5) and Daniel Madden (6).
Guest speakers on the day were Krys Pomeroy, Sculptor and Maker, Pat Dowling, Chief Executive Clare County Council and Sinead Shannon, Department of Health.