Nominees for Offaly Person of the Year announced
Twelve nominees for the 2025 Offaly Person of the Year Award have been announced.
Seamus Boland, The Island for his tireless campaigning on rural issues, in particular Just Transition and how it affects Offaly and on his election as President of the European Economic and Social Council last October.
Michael Duignan, Banagher and Durrow for his work with Offaly GAA, his leadership and his vision for the future of Gaelic games in the county.
John Molloy, Birr, who was nominated for a Grammy this year, is one of Ireland’s leasing basses who has sung in numerous productions including Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Collins, Puccini’s La Boheme and Verdi’s Rigoletto.
Molly Buckley, Tullamore, for a lifetime of service to a huge array of organisations in Offaly, the wider midlands and nationally.
Brendan Garry, Birr, for his contribution to the business life of Offaly and the midlands over many decades, most recently in the hospitality sector through his stewardship of the County Arts and Dole’s Hotel.
Sean Molloy, Tubber, Sean is Chief Ingredients and Agribusiness Office and CEO with Tirlán, formerly Glanbia.
Chris Hand, Kilcormac, for his commitment to the Combined Counties Football League (CCFL) and the promotion of soccer in the midlands.
Kurt Kyck, Tullamore, Kurt is the CEO of KMK Metals Recycling and President of the European Electronics Recyclers Association (EERA), and was bestowed the iconic IERC 2024 Honorary Award at the International Electronics Recycling Congress Salzburg recently.
Noel Keeley, Tullamore, Noel is CEO of Musgrave Group, Ireland’s leading retail, wholesale, and food service company, one of the country’s longest running family business.
Yvonne Farrell, Tullamore, Her company Grafton Architects are to the Architectural World as Messi is to the soccer world. They have designed many prestigious buildings and won numerous awards. They are currently overseeing the plan for the development of Tullamore Harbour.
John Feehan, Birr, for his work in publishing a book on the Silver River.
Donal Molloy, Ballinamere, for his work in the continued development of Molloy Environmental Systems.
The event will take place function in The Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore on Saturday, April 11.
Once again the main sponsor of the awards is Noel Tynan of The Celt Bar and Lounge, Talbot Street, Dublin.
A sub-committee of the Offaly Association (Dublin) is responsible for the selection process, under the stewardship of chairperson Liam Fleury and comprising Ger Scully (secretary) Pat Teehan, Peter Carter and Noel McCann.
The awards will be presented at a gala function in The Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore on Saturday, April 11.
The identity of the Unsung Hero of the Year Award will be announced on the night.
The shortlist for this award is here