Ten individuals and local organisations in Drogheda were honoured for their endeavours within the Drogheda community at the 2024 Drogheda Mayoral Awards which took place in Highlanes Gallery on Monday evening, June 27th.
The Awards, which are a formal event, are set out by legislation under Section 74 of the Local Government Act, as a reserved function, and saw Drogheda Borough District Elected Members nominate 10 worthy recipients.
Deputy Mayor Kevin Callan stood in for Mayor Eileen Tully who unfortunately was unable to attend and well wishes were extended to Cllr Tully on the night.
The event was opened with Louth County Council Meetings Administrator Gráinne Tuomey calling for a colour parade from the Louth Fire Service who brought the three flags onto parade, namely the National, Louth and the Borough District of Drogheda Flag.
Deputy Mayor Kevin Callan welcomed the ten Award Nominees and their families and friends to the event, with Ms. Joan Martin Chief Executive of Louth County Council speaking of the gravitas of the awards process.
The following is the list of the award recipients:
Rita Geraghty for her exemplary leadership of DAWN, Drogheda Area Womens Network and her unwavering advocacy against Domestic Violence. DAWN is Women’s Centre based in Drogheda that offers Affordable Counselling, Buddy Accompaniment Services, Childcare services, Educational Classes and Information/Advice.
Louth & East Meath Defibrillator Group which has delivered nearly 40 defibrillators in the greater Drogheda / East Meath / South Louth and who offer free training to interested community groups having trained over 15,000 people of all ages in how to use the defibrillator machines as well as in the administration of CPR.
Conor Hoey Ex-Chairman of Drogheda United, for his commitment and dedication to Drogheda United Football Club and his tireless work on securing external investment which saw a recent takeover come into fruition which has secured a timely stable, bright and better future for League of Ireland football in Drogheda for generations to come.
Drogheda Tidy Towns Group in recognition of their ongoing engagement with all stakeholders from Louth County Council, various residential groups as well as education, businesses and volunteer sectors to ensure a co-ordinated and effective strategic approach to areas such as the environment, litter management, biodiversity, sustainability and projects to improve the public realm of Drogheda.
Rita & Michael Giblin in recognition of 16 years of providing Christmas light displays at their home to raise much needed funds for palliative care, Shining a light for those in need. All proceeds are donated to Palliative Care Services in Drogheda and in the North East Region. Michael’s service as a member of An Garda Siochana for 40 years was also recognised.
Fiona Rath for over three decades of volunteering in various roles in Clogherhead Community having served nearly 35 years as the Secretary of the Dreadnots GFC, over 30 years helping with the Credit Union, and being a supporter and advocate for Clogherhead Development from its inception.
The Drogheda unit of the Order of Malta Ambulance Corp which was founded in 1941 and have been serving the town of Drogheda for over 80 years in a voluntary capacity. Made up of volunteers, the Corp provides invaluable first aid training to children and adults and together provide a voluntary ambulance service to Drogheda and the wider environs.
Drogheda Men’s Shed which is open five days a week Monday to Friday from 9a.m. to 5p.m. providing a place for men to share skills, learn from each other and/or simply to talk and meet others, which not only is a vital social network for men, but they have also supported many other voluntary groups and charities such as Drogheda Tidy Towns with items created in their workshop.
Silversmith Des Taaffe who painstakingly restored a 300-year-old ceremonial mace which was given to Drogheda Town by King William of Orange after the Battle of the Boyne, and which had been put into safe storage in the early 1900s. Due to his magnificent work the town now proudly displays the mace which was restored to its former glory.
David Leddy who has not only contributed to the music industry in the town of Drogheda but throughout Ireland and beyond, has also led numerous fundraising efforts over many years. As well as leading fundraising for 9/11 relief, Alzheimer services, the RNLI, and the recent Turkey/Syrian Earthquake David has donated his professional music service to numerous charities., David has been Musical Director for numerous choirs during his lifetime most recently with Drogheda Male Voice Choir and has participated in performances in numerous venues such as St Peters Basilica in Rome and at the Papal Audience in St Peters Square.
Attendees were presented with certificates of their awards by Deputy Mayor Kevin Callan, following which the flags were brought off parade and Niall Clarke firefighter with Louth County Council played the National Anthem on bagpipes.
All were treated to music by talented guitarist Mike Rivas, with light refreshments served following the event which gave all the chance to mingle and take a moment to relax in a less formal setting.
