The 2024 winner of the Clare Older People’s Volunteer of the Year Award will be announced at a ceremony at Hotel Woodstock in Ennis at 2pm next Wednesday, 10th April.
Members of the public and community representatives from across County Clare are invited to attend the event.
Hosted by the Clare Older People’s Council and supported by Clare County Council, this year’s award scheme attracted a record number of entries.
Mike Hanrahan of Stockton’s Wing fame will be a keynote speaker at the event. The Ennis musician and songwriter currently is Clare Age Friendly Ambassador and will speak about his advocacy work around inclusivity and equality for the older community in County Clare.
Councillor Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, will join Mr Hanrahan in presenting the overall winner with an engraved glass trophy as well as a hotel break for two, along with presenting framed certificates of recognition to the volunteers who were nominated by their communities.
“This award scheme illustrates the importance of voluntary work to local communities and of how such work contributes to the resolution of challenges faced by those communities. I want to congratulate all of this year’s nominees,” stated Cllr Cooney.
Madge O’Callaghan, PRO of the Clare Older People’s Council, said, “This year’s award nominees each have a proven track record of leading by example. Through their hard work, resilience and dedication, they have demonstrated how volunteerism and a strong sense of pride of place can enhance the communities in which they live.”
Kelly Slattery, Age Friendly Programme Manager at Clare County Council, commented, “Clare County Council is delighted to support the Clare Older People’s Council in hosting these awards in recognition of the group’s commitment to the development of Age Friendly policies and practices within the county. Such advocacy work is increasingly important due to the ongoing demographic changes and Clare’s ageing population.”
Persons interested in attending the event are invited to reserve their places by contacting Clare County Council via email agefriendlyclare@clarecoco.ie or telephone 065-6846240.