A
CABRA man who devotes all his spare time working for the Dublin Deaf
Association has been presented with a special award from Gay Byrne.
Con
Lynch accepted his award at the first ever Hidden Hearing Heroes Awards, which
is organised in association with the Irish Deaf Society.
The
awards are held to highlight the achievements of those who are deaf or hard of
hearing and Con was one of the heroes singled out for a reward for their
dedication.
Con
is devoted to the Dublin Deaf Association, so much so that the Drumcondra based
club would not be the same without him. He spends his time arranging events,
fixing problems and generally looking after the running of the club.
He
comes in at 9am every morning, cycling in from Cabra in all weathers, and
prepares the facilities for the day. When people come to the club, Con is the
first person they meet, and he always has a smile and a warm welcome.
Members
of the Dublin Deaf Association say they cannot imagine the place without him.
Speaking
at the awards, Gay Byrne said the winners are an example of real heroes.
“They
are those who don’t allow things to hold them back in life, who persevere and
show great determination, who achieve great things,
? he added.
“It’s
a really positive step that the achievements of the deaf and hard of hearing
across Ireland are being recognised through these awards, and I’d like to
congratulate Hidden Hearing and the Irish Deaf Society on such a
worthwhile initiative.
?
Stephen
Leddy, Managing Director of Hidden Hearing, also congratulated the winners.
“The
Hidden Hearing Heroes Awards is the first initiative in Ireland to focus on the
achievements of those who are deaf or hard of hearing and their contribution to
Irish society,
? he said.
“The
standard of nominee was truly exceptional and the judges had some very
difficult decisions. All of the nominees demonstrated that being deaf or hard
of hearing is not a barrier to achieving great things.
?