Nine personalities vie for right to lead Navan parade

Nine finalists have been nominated for the Navan Personality of the Year competition and the public are being asked to vote for the winner before Saturday 13th March. The Navan Shamrock Festival, with the support of Navan Town Council, has announced the nine finalists who have been nominated by local groups in appreciation of their outstanding and voluntary contribution to the community. Shamrock Committee chairman, Cllr Padraig Fitzsimmons, said: "These nine people represent the wide and varied work that is going on in our town by ordinary people, willing to try to help others. They and their organisations are a credit to Navan." Posters with the voting details of each finalist are on display around Navan town. Members of the public are asked to text or call their favourite's phone line to register their votes. Lines close at 3pm on Saturday 13th March and the winner will be announced at a special celebration dinner dance being held that night in The Stonehouse, Navan. Central R Hotels, Oliver Shanley & Company, Solicitors, and Peter Gallagher Photography are sponsoring the winners' prizes. The person named Navan Personality of the Year 2010 will lead this year's St Patrick's Day Parade in Navan as grand marshall. The nominees are: Marie Johnston - SOSAD Marie is the co-ordinator of the SOSAD suicide awareness and prevention group. Her colleagues have this to say about her: "Marie is compassionate. Her constant drive to support and encourage others is unique. Marie is available 24/7 on the the SOSAD Helpline and has a listening ear for all. She is inspirational. She sees no problems, just solutions and is 100 per cent committed to helping people help themselves. She radiates warmth." To vote for Marie, call 1513 415 056 and enter code 101 or Text NAVAN 101 to 53306. Noel Collier - Navan Road Club Noel has been a dedicated member of Navan Road Club for the past 30 years. During this time, he has not allowed having a disability stop him in raising large amounts of money for local charities, organising cycle runs and even taking part in the Dublin City marathon on a specially adapted bike. Noel works in Midway in Navan and is a great example to all his fellow cyclists with his great drive and enthusiasm for all he takes part in. To vote for Noel, call 1513 415 056 and enter code 102 or Text NAVAN 102 to 53306. Helen Callan - Navan Community Development Project Ltd and Family Support Helen Callan has been a committed and enthusiastic director of Navan CDP Ltd for the past number of years. She is well-known for her tireless work on many community projects in the town and is also a dedicated and compassionate family support worker, giving her time voluntarily to help families affected by alcohol and drug issues. To vote for Helen, call 1513 415 056 and enter code 103 or Text NAVAN 103 to 53306. Tony Brady - Navan Arch Club Tony has been involved in Navan Arch Club for the past 12 years. Currently serving as chairman of the club, the wide range of the club means Tony has become a good all-rounder. The Arch Club provides a social outlet for people with learning disabilities aged 18 to 75 years and activities include sports, music, self-development and even holidays. To vote for Tony Brady, call 1513 415 056 and enter code 104 or Text NAVAN 104 to 53306. Mark Smith - RehabCare Mark has been nominated by Rehabcare, who have described him as "an exceptionally gifted artist who has volunteered his time and energy to support people with disabilities". Mark engages with service users in a range of community projects which promote inclusion. Service users say that Mark is an inspiration to them and regard him as someone who "has made a very positive difference in their lives". To vote for Mark Smith, call 1513 415 056 and enter code 105 or Text NAVAN 105 to 53306. Pat Smyth - Dunderry Fair Pat has been involved with the organising committee of the Dunderry Fair since its beginning six years ago. The fair takes place in May and has so far been very lucky with the weather. Pat got involved because he wanted to give something back to the community. Pat says it is a great social occasion and there are at least 100 volunteers on hand to make the fair the success that it is. To vote for Pat Smyth, call 1513 415 056 and enter code 106 or Text NAVAN 106 to 53306. Peadar Farrelly - local fundraiser Peadar has been involved in fundraising for over 25 years. He does MC for fundraising events such as raising funds for an orphanage in Africa and many initiatives to sent ill people to Lourdes. He also accompanies the group to Lourdes as a volunteer. To vote for Peadar Farrelly, call 1513 415 056 and enter code 107 or Text NAVAN 107 to 53306. Joe McGrath - Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels was founded in Navan 45 years ago by Fr Andy Farrell. Joe has been involved for the past 10 years and says it is a great organisation to be involved with and is very well-run. Joe enjoys being involved in all aspects of the organisation but especially loves organising the Christmas collections. The group delivers 80 hot meals every day using voluntary drivers. To vote for Joe McGrath, call 1513 415 056 and enter code 108 or Text NAVAN 108 to 53306. Vera McGoona - local fundraiser Vera was one of the founding members of the volunteer group which organises the Navan Shamrock Festival. She is on call to help out with any local, regional or national charity initiatives such as helping the recent flood victims in Galway as well as Rehab. Vera currently works tirelessly for Simonstown Bingo as a committee member. To vote for Vera McGoona, call 1513 415 056 and enter code 109 or Text NAVAN 109 to 53306.