Josie is a Local Hero

Local woman Josie Connolly was honoured at today's County Show in Athy, receiving a 'Local Hero' award from Brian Ashmore, President, Kildare County Show, writes Brian Byrne.

Josie, whose activities on behalf of Kilcullen's Seniors are well known over many years in the town, was presented with the award in recognition of her commitment for over 30 years to St Vincent's Hospital, Athy and her voluntary work with Kilcullen Senior Citizens group. Josie is pictured above on the stage with Clem Ryan of KFM, after being presented with her award.

The Local Hero Awards were inaugurated at last year's County Show and were such a success that it was decided to make them an annual feature.

Meanwhile, the fundraising last weekend in Kilcullen for the Le Cheile Alzheimer's Unit, St Vincent's Athy, raised almost €5,000. "It is a wonderful amount considering the current economic situation," Josie says. "It is thanks to the generosity of Kilcullen people."

(Pic: Mary Orford.)

I nominated Josie because of the many hours she puts in as a volunteer for both St Vincent's Hospital, Athy and the Kilcullen Senior Citizens group, Mary Orford wrote in her citation for the awards. I know she does the voluntary work without any thought of personal glory. Her purpose is to bring some happiness into other people's lives.

Josie's voluntary work for St Vincent's Hospital, Athy has been unstinting for over thirty years. Her commitment includes a fortnightly visit to the residents, organising hugely successful fundraising in the Kilcullen area for Le Cheile Alzheimer's Unit in the hospital and, every Easter, organising a two hour variety show for the residents in St Vincents. There's even an Easter Egg for everyone in the audience!

Josie has been involved with Kilcullen Senior Citizens group for many years and is currently chairperson. She puts in many hours working with other committee members to organise fundraising, summer outings and Christmas parties.

Josie works for the HSE as a home help and she brings the same unfailing cheerfulness, kindness and energy to her job as she does to her voluntary work. She is a shining example of how older people can stay active and involved in the community.