Mayoral Awards presented at closed event in Council car park

In normal times the Drogheda Mayoral Awards is one of the social highlights of the year with the great and the good in the local community gathering in the Highlanes Gallery but this is no normal year and sadly no formal presentation ceremony could be held.

Instead, the awards were presented by the Mayor, Councillor Kevin Callan, in the car park of Louth County Council offices in Fair Street at a socially distanced event without either the media or public in attendance.

Below, in no particular order, are the ten people who received awards this year and the citations:

Fr. Phil Gaffney

In recognition of his management of the parishes of St Mary’s and Holy Family for almost 2 years and for his being to the front and centre in supporting the community in these difficult times with his pastoral work and chaplaincy for those in nursing home communities. He has delicately balanced standing up against criminality and supporting the families affected. Fr Gaffney is recognised for his leadership in organising the mass for peace at such a difficult and sensitive time.

Alison O’Reilly

In recognition of her career in the world of Journalism, Broadcasting and Documentary making which has allowed her to highlight the struggles of the disadvantaged in many communities across the world. Her documentary ‘Midnight’s Lost Child’ tells the story of the 200,000 street children living in Calcutta and saw her win Best Human Right’s Director in 2008 while ‘My Heroin Hell’ was screened worldwide. She was also the first to break the very sad story on the Tuam Babies.

Thomas McGuire

In recognition of the ongoing and sincere efforts of Mr. McGuire of Tobertoby, in assisting those within his community and to improve and keep Termonfeckin as the beautiful place that it is.

Denise Tuohy

In recognition of her involvement in the BOYNE Project for 15 years and her work with young people at risk, their families, schools and service providers to ensure the most positive outcome for young people in the area. During the recent drugs criminality in our town, she was always at the frontline working with young people trying to redirect them from crime.

Eileen Rushe

In recognition of her work and efforts in helping others. She has been an advocate for the Irish Cancer Society to highlight awareness of screening for cancers and to promote the HPV vaccine as a preventative measure for cervical cancer. She has been selfless in sharing her journey through her personal blog, TV interviews and adverts. She has also been a fundraiser for several charities including The Gary Kelly Centre and Epilepsy Ireland.

Dr Amy Morgan

In recognition of her work throughout a very difficult and challenging time during COVID 19. She has been a regular contributor on Radio and TV and offering invaluable advice, guidance and reassurance to the general public. She was also one of the faces for the #louthtogether social media campaign that reached out to young people and remind them of public health recommendations during the Pandemic.

Natalie Jane Kelly

In recognition of the role of Natalie Jane in the founding of the Drogheda Dolls group. Her influence has seen a continued effort to support local charitable causes and is effecting real and positive change within and throughout the town of Drogheda.

Paul Bell

In recognition of his contribution to public and community service. He has had a lifelong commitment in advocating for the rights of workers through his dedicated service to the Trade Union Movement.

Seamus Davis

In recognition of the contributions that he has made to Drogheda and its people. His business acumen and pursuit for success at Becton Dickinson (BD) and as Chairman of Dublin Port company helped ensure that BD maintained its presence in Drogheda for over 60 years. He played a major part in the development of the Port. His passion for Rugby was enormous and The Boyne RFC will forever be a legacy to his unselfish contributions to the club. He also supported many sports clubs, hospitals and local charities.

Anne Byrne (Garda Sgt Retired)

In recognition of her work whilst serving with An Garda Siochana. She was synonymous with policing in Clogherhead for years and worked closely with the local community and assisted all the community groups in the area helping in anyway she could. Anne is also well known for her charity work especially in Haiti.