Local heroes recognised at council awards night

Local heroes recognised at council awards night

2 October 2024

FORMER Grand National-winning jockey Tony Dobbin has been honoured by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

The Downpatrick man, who rode Lord Gyllene to victory in the famous race in 1997 was presented with a civic award last week.

He was one of 33 remarkable individuals and organisations recognised at the council’s civic awards ceremony at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry on Friday.

The annual event serves as a platform to recognise those people who have demonstrated outstanding service to the community, made significant contributions to public life in Newry, Mourne and Down and have shown real dedication in helping local residents.

This year’s recipients were nominated for their contribution in the following four categories: arts and culture, community and voluntary, human endeavour and sport.

Among them was Maureen King, who was recognised for her extensive voluntary work and the founding of PIPS, Newcastle, and MYMY (Mind Your Mate and Yourself).

The Friends of Ward 15 received an award for their dedication to patients and service users within Downshire Hospital, Downpatrick.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the unit and the Friends patient support group. Ward 15 has saved the lives of countless people over the years who have battled with their addictions.

Chairperson of Friends of Ward 15 Colum Polly and devoted volunteer Jim Mageean accepted the award on behalf of the group.

One of the youngest recipients was Willow-Rose Elliott, an 11 year-old drum major with Ballygowan Pipe Band, who was given an award in recognition of her success over the past year in pipe band competitions.

Darren Oldroyd, chairman of Drumaness Cricket Club since 2010, was recognised for his unwavering effort to keep the club operational and get his local community involved in the sport.

Also in sport there were awards for Ballynahinch United Football Club, Kilmore Rec Football   Club, Crossgar Youth League, and St Mochai’s GAC in Darragh Cross, while Danny Whittington was recognised for 30 years of coaching and mentoring young people at Pegasus Boxing Club in Downpatrick.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, council chairperson Pete Byrne said: “Each year we look forward to honouring the amazing people who work towards improving their communities and the lives of others across Newry, Mourne and Down.

We receive a lot of nominations each year and discover more about the outstanding people in our district. It is never an easy task to choose a winner of a civic award as all nominations are for outstanding individuals.”

He continued: “There were so many incredible stories received this year, all of them different and a special insight into how appreciated the volunteers are by the person who nominated them.

“I am delighted to be able to host this event at the Canal Court Hotel to highlight the major efforts made by individuals, groups and businesses who work for the betterment of the District and to thank them for their amazing contribution.”

The full list of award winners is as follows:

Arts and culture: Conor Sands, Darren Matthews, Lianne McCooey, Michael Mallon, Newcastle Community Cinema, Stephen Deegan, Willow-Rose Elliott

Human endeavour: Margaret Morris, Sean Byrne.

Community and voluntary: ALPS NI, Colm and Julie Ferris, Dechomet Community Group, Dominic Quinn, Dromintee Senior Citizens Club, Friends of Ward 15, Ingrid Perry, Leslie Hammon, James Boyle, Jenny Laverty, Karena McGahon, LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Newry, Lissummon Community Association and Lissummon Men’s Shed, Maureen King, SOS Daisy Hill Hospital Committee.

Sport: Ballynahinch United Football Club, Brockagh Sheepdogs, Crossgar Youth League, Danny Whittington, Darren Oldroyd, Kilmore Rec Football Club, Listooder and District Ploughing Society, St Mochai’s Gaelic Football Club (Darragh Cross), Tony Dobbin.