Twelve vying for community spirit award

The twelve candidates for Kells and District Chamber's inaugural Community Spirit Award have been revealed. This initiative aims to recognise and reward the hard work and contribution of some of the wonderful volunteers who give so generously of their time, from sporting clubs to charitable organisations, and from voluntary groups to those who work in the youth/education or elderly sectors. The award will be presented at the Chamber of Commerce President's Ball on Saturday 5th March. Local clubs and societies have each nominated one person from their organisations, while others have put forward the names of private individuals whom they believe have made a substantial contribution to their local community. The response has been overwhelming and there are many very deserving candidates for consideration. These include Pat Barron, who was nominated by the Kells Community Allotments Group Ltd in recognition of all his hard voluntary work on the land at Lloyd. Pat also volunteers with Kells People's Resource Centre and serves on their management committee. Geraldine Carolan, a retired midwife was nominated because she devotes her spare time to helping the elderly in the community. Ciaran O'Kelly, is secretary of Kells Anglers Association and carries out tireless work in improving and maintaining the Blackwater River. Patricia Keegan is a member of Kells Conference of St Vincent de Paul Society since 1988 and was elected president in 2004. Chairperson of Kells Community Employment Scheme Ltd, James Tallon is nominated. For the past eight years, he has organised participants for maintaining 10 local projects, including Moynalty Tidy Towns, Kells Tennis Club, Kilmainhamwood Creche, Pride of Place, and cemetery maintenance. John Grant is chairperson and a founder member of Kells Musical & Dramatic Society (KMDS) in 1976. He is a familiar face in the community and is renowned for his enthusiasm and energy when it comes to producing pantomimes and other productions. Ronnie McGrane was nominated for his work on the Kells Victorian Waterworks, which lay derelict for over 20 years until a group of voluntary enthusiasts, led by Ronnie, spent seven painstaking years restoring this fabulous piece of industrial architecture. Linda McLoughlin, the Youth Homeless Prevention Officer for Meath Youth Federation was nominated for her work to improve the lives of many young people. She was involved in the St Patrick's Day Community Project, the Heritage Week, a local soccer project and she also brings groups of young people on educational outings. Rose Williamson is also among the nominees. This energetic lady is the chairperson and founder of Kells Women's Network, a group aimed at enhancing the lives of local women through support, friendship and personal development. Nominee, Betty Smith is the secretary of the Moynalty Steam Threshing committee. She has worked tirelessly and enthusiastically for almost 40 years in various voluntary committees within the Moynalty community, including the Community Council, Credit Union, Tidy Towns Committee, Community Alert, Active Retirement and Kilmainhamwood Nursing Home and Retirement Village. Gerry Beggy was instrumental in helping establish Kells Blackwater FC. He spent 12 years as club treasurer and has also coached and managed teams of all ages. Gerry has also been involved in the Community Games and currently serves on the board of management for St Colmcille's Boys' School. Kay Deignan, a volunteer with Kells Pride of Place since its foundation and is a familiar face around town was nominated for her work with Pride of Place. An independent judging panel will assess the entries this week and narrow it down to a shortlist and the final candidates will be notified by phone tomorrow (Thursday). The three final candidates will be honoured at the President's Ball and will each be awarded with a framed Kells Chamber Certificate of Achievement.  In addition, the overall winner will be presented with a work of art by local glass artist, Fiona Murphy. Tickets for the President's Ball are priced at €65 each and the black-tie event includes a champagne reception, guest speaker David McWilliams, a four-course meal with wine, live music and DJ until late.  Tickets are available from chamber secretary, Patricia McDonnell, on (046) 924 0055 (Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 2pm) or (087) 671 7745 or email info@kellschamber.ie.