Local volunteers celebrate awards

TWO locals were celebrating recently after being honoured at the Volunteer Ireland Awards 2014.

Stephen O’Gara, a volunteer with the Irish Coast Guard and Linda Gaffney, a volunteer with Whitehall Colmcille’s GAA Club, were announced as awardees in their respective categories at a ceremony at Dublin City Hall.

Fergus Cooney nominated Stephen for his award.

“Stephen represents all the qualities of a volunteer – passionate to make that difference, 24/7 commitment and an ability to help not just the community but with his gregarious personality to get a laugh out of his fellow volunteers in a sometimes busy and very challenging environment,

? said Mr Cooney.

“It is an honour to nominate Stephen for this esteemed award.

?

Lorraine Hession nominated Linda for her award.

“Linda is a wonderful volunteer in sports but also in other areas,

? said Ms Hession.

“She works on the south side of the city but rushes to leave work at 5.30pm each day to make it to Whitehall to coach the girls twice a week.

“She has volunteered as a point of contact/distributor of leaflets for the Blood Donor clinic and has also been involved in Special Olympics Ireland.

“All of this work is on a volunteer basis and done for the greater good of the community.

?
Commenting on Stephen and Linda’s success, manager of Dublin Volunteer Centre, Edwina Dewart, said:

“We are delighted that two remarkable volunteers from north Dublin have been honoured with this award and recognised for their fantastic work with both the Irish Coast Guard and Whitehall Colmcille GAA on a national level.

“There has been tremendous support around the community since we learned of their nominations and we are delighted they have been announced as Volunteer Ireland Awardees.

?
Ms Dewart added:

“On behalf of everyone at Dublin Volunteer Centre we would like to congratulate and thank Stephen and Linda for their outstanding contribution to the Dublin community.

?

For more information on the awards, or to read the inspiring stories of the 30 shortlisted volunteers, visit www.volunteer.ie