Community Awards presented

Awards for contribution to the life of Kilcullen were made to four individuals and groups at the Kilcullen Community Awards event in the Town Hall on Friday night.



The recipients were the Kilcullen Community Games Committee, for involving so many young people in sport and other endeavours, and the award was accepted (above) by a group of those youngesters; Norah Breslin (left) for her lifetime of commitment to the area, especially through the ICA, Capers, and in her work with youth; Tess O'Rourke (below left) for her lifetime work with the parish, Senior Citizens and Tidy Towns; and the organisers of Mac & Norman's Vintage Rally which over the last four years has raised over 120,000 euros for the Irish Cancer Society, which was accepted by Ann Sully (below right).



Presenting the awards, Minister of State Sean Power said that through the years Kilcullen had always displayed an excellent community spirit.

"And I see just over my shoulder a picture of a man who epitomised that spirit, the late Pat Dunlea," he said.

Awards were also presented for the tidy towns efforts of various estates and businesses.



Castlemartin Estate won the Best Large Estate trophy (above), presented in memory of the late Jer Kelly. The Most Improved Estate accolade went to Bishop Rogan Park (below left), while Conroy Park won the Best Small Estate trophy (below right).



Other awards went to Kilcullen Parish Church Grounds (Landscape), Laurel Wood (Best Green Area), Dave Clancy Flowers (Best Business), Roots & Fruits (Most Improved Business), Dunleas (Best Commercial Premises), Village Flowers & Gifts (Best Window Display), Kilcullen Credit Union (Best Floral Display - Business), the Landers family (Best Floral Display - Private), and St Bridget's Pitch & Putt Club (Best Community Facility).

A very special award was presented to Alan Kennedy for his commitment to litter control on weekends over the summer, when he and members of his family gave several hours each Saturday and Sunday to picking up litter in the town.

In addition to the various perpetual trophies, all recipients were presented with placques designed and manufactured in Kilcullen by Kieran Forde of Forde Crafts.

Brian Byrne.