LEGENDARY singer Daniel O’Donnell presented two Northsiders with awards last week at the Hidden Hearing Heroes Awards for 2013.
The awards highlight the achievements of those who are Deaf or hard of hearing and Maura Buckley from Blanchardstown and Stuart Foy from Glasnevin were among the recipients.
Maura picked up an Irish Deaf Society Lifetime Achievement Award while Stuart was recognised for his sporting achievements.
Stuart is the most capped deaf football player in Irish history. He was the first Irish schoolboy player to participate at the World Games for the Deaf in 1989 and has been involved in a host of other tournaments at club, European and international level.
At the age of 40, Stuart recently lined out in defence for Ireland at the eighth Deaflympics this year.
Maura is a founding member of Deaf Action Group, the forerunner to the Irish Deaf Society, and was the first deaf woman to become a qualified teacher.
She forged a successful teaching career over 32 years and became the first deaf vice principal at St Mary’s School for Deaf Girls.
Congratulating the winners, Daniel O’Donnell said:
“Each of our award winners are true examples of real heroes in Irish society.
“Each person has shown great determination to reach their goals and they have proven that all obstacles can be overcome. Their achievements and successes deserve to be honoured and brought to the attention of the Irish public.
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Kevin Mulqueen, Chairperson of the Irish Deaf Society said the Heroes Awards has proven to be an excellent platform for creating awareness about the deaf and hard of hearing community in Ireland and of their role in Irish society.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Hidden Hearing in celebrating the success and triumphs of those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
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An all-Ireland joint initiative between Hidden Hearing and the Irish Deaf Society, the awards honour those who are deaf or hard of hearing and have made a significant contribution to Irish society, their community, workplace, family or through sporting excellence.