Offaly Person of Year launched

The search for the 31st Offaly Association (Dublin) and 2018 Offaly Person of the Year was launched recently by the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Danny Owens.

Among those present for the launch were former award winners Dr Philip Brady, Maura Allen, Michael Byrne, Matt Connor and the 2017 recipient, John Flanagan.

Master of ceremonies for the occasion, organising committee secretary, Ger Scully extended a warm welcome to all present.

"In the late '80s the Offaly Association in Dublin decided to establish an award that would honour those from different walks of life in the county and who have contributed to the success of Offaly.

"The first winner of the award was the late John Dowling and since then many wonderful people have been selected by a sub committee of the Association to received the prestigious Offaly Person of the Year award at a gala function.

"Up to this year the sub committee was chaired by a very diligent and dedicated Liam Fleury, Drumcullen who has stepped aside this year, but happily has remained on board as a member of the committee. Liam has been replaced in the hot seat of chairperson by Ann Carey from Clonbullogue. Ann has been involved with the Association for four decades.

"Connie Hanniffy has stepped down as secretary, but we still have a very committed and dedicated committee which consists of Ann Carey, Liam Fleury, Peter Carter, Noel McCann, Pat Teehan and myself," said Mr Scullly.

He went on to say that he and the committee would like to acknowledge the wonderful support of generous sponsor Noel Tynan, Le Bon Crubeen Restaurant and the Celt Lodge Hotel, Talbot Street, Dublin.

Mr Scully concluded by informing those present that the committee would be explained the presentation evening by including an Unsung Hero award with further details to be released in due course.

2017 Offaly Person of the Year, John Flanagan thanked the committee for inviting him to the launch.

"I want to thank the committee for selecting me as the 2017 Offaly Person of the Year. It was an honour for me to be selected and it is an award that will always be cherished by me.

"It is a privilege for me to be part of such a wonderful group of people who have received the award. I want to acknowledge the s wonderful support the award gets from sponsor Noel Tynan and the very hard work put in every year by the members of the selection committee.

"Thank you once again for honouring me as the 2017 Offaly Person of the Year and I want to let you know it is an award that is very highly thought of in the county," said Mr. Flanagan.

Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Danny Owens said he was delighted to be present to launch the search for the 2018 Offaly Person of the Year.

"This is the 31st year of the award and it is a great credit to the committee who have kept it going and helped to make it stronger every year.

"It is an award that acknowledges the contributions of people to Offaly via a variety of fields and I am honoured to be here tonight in the presence of former members of the award."

 

The presentation of the 2018 Offaly Person of the Year will take place at a gala function in The Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore on Saturday, March 30.