Ferbane man wins major accolade at Volunteer Ireland Awards

Athlone Community Radio said it was "proud beyond words" after one of its dedicated volunteers, Ed Devery, was named as the winner of the 'Health & Wellbeing' category at the 2023 Volunteer Ireland Awards in Limerick on Saturday.

Ed is a native of Ferbane who produces and presents the 'monthly positivity' mental health slot on the station's 'Athlone Today' series.

His interest in mindfulness stems from his own journey to recovery from mental health difficulties.

As well as taking part in a psychiatric support program, Ed has found solace in various activities in Athlone, including his involvement with Athlone Training Centre, Athlone National Learning Network, and Féile na Sionainne.

Through these involvements, he has gained courage, confidence, and self-esteem.

Ed was one of three finalists in the Health & Wellbeing category at last Saturday's awards, and there was delight at the station when he was announced as the category winner.

Philomena Murphy, Athlone Community Radio's broadcast programme co-ordinator, and Alzbeta Hajdinova Nagyova, its volunteer co-ordinator, represented Ed at the awards which were held in Limerick Racecourse.

Another Midlands winner at the event was Mullingar's Brian Fagan, of Brian's Treasure Chest, who was the winner in the 'Social Inclusion & Community Support' category in recognition of his charity work for Midland Simon, GOAL, and Concern in Westmeath.

There were twelve category winners in total and Gary Hayes, an RNLI and Community First Responder volunteer from Dublin, was the winner of the top overall award, Ireland's Volunteer of the Year.