Galway Bay fm newsroom - Community activist Brendan Smith has been named Galway City Council Volunteer of the Year, at the fourteenth Annual Mayor's Awards.
Mayor of Galway Noel Larkin presented the top award to Brendan Smith at a gala event last evening, where his long involvement in volunteering, and in championing issues such as the progression of the Ballinfoile centre was recognised.
Over 100 individuals and groups received certificates from the Mayor at the ceremony which was held in the Radisson Blu Hotel.
St James’ Pastoral Council received the Arts, Culture, Heritage and Cursai Gaeilge Award in recognition of its contribution to highlighting the rich heritage of the Bushypark community area.
Paul Lennon was presented with the Residents and Local Areas award for his commitment to volunteering with the Roscam/Rosshill residents association.
Phil Grealish took the title for Community Service and Social Inclusion for her many years of volunteering with various groups within Galway city and in particular with St Columba’s Credit Union.
The Older Volunteer of the Year award went to The Renmore Friendship Club, while the Sports Vounteer of the Year was awarded to Shane O’Connor, in recognition of his voluntary activity with the Galway Speeders’ swimming group.
The Children and Youth Award was presented to Croí na Gaillimhe Homework Club, for its dedication and energy in working with children in the Eglinton Hostel.
Finally the Young Volunteer of the Year went to Róisín Farragher, in recognition of her voluntary fundraising activities for a number of groups within Galway city.
