Geashill woman shortlisted in Volunteer Ireland Awards

Geashill's Frances Walsh, a founding member of the Offaly Dyslexia Group, has been shortlisted for an award in this year's Volunteer Ireland Awards. Frances has been shortlisted in the education and training category of the awards, with a winner to be revealed on December 5. A total of 31 volunteers have reached the shortlist stage of the Panadol supported awards that celebrate and recognise volunteers all across Ireland. Helping Frances towards the overall award is her work with Offaly Dyslexia Group, providing literacy workshops for children and a support line for parents. The group now has 30 children and nine tutors. Frances has also worked with Offaly VEC to provide dyslexia support for adults. Congratulating Frances on getting so far in the awards process Volunteer Ireland chief Yvonne McKenna said this year the organisation received its largest ever number of nominations for the award. Lead sponsor Panadol also passed on congratulations. An overall winner and category winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 5 at a gala event in Dublin hosted by RTE presenter Claire Byrne. More information on the awards is available at www.volunteer.ie.