Local woman is honoured for scouting contribution

A NORTHSIDE woman has been recognised for her invaluable contribution to scouting in her local area.

Group Leader of Malahide Sea Scouts Colin Lynch bestowed the rare honour of Honorary Life Membership of the group on Eileen Butterly in recognition of her and her family’s contribution to scouting in Malahide over many years.

Eileen was a cub leader in the group for 11 years, joining in 1975, and taking over from Anne Greenwood as cub scout leader of the Tuesday pack three years later.

She would become the first of many members of her family to share their skills and knowledge with this great group.

Eileen was presented with two specially embroidered neckerchiefs, one in a presentation frame and the other to wear on occasions when attending group functions.

All five of Eileen’s children have been involved in scouts in Malahide. Her sons Paul, Ciaran and John all served as leaders as have her daughters Karen and Joanne. Four of them are still active in the group today.

Sixteen of her grandchildren are currently members of the group and 11 of them were present on the night to see their grandmother receive the prestigious award.

The presentation of a Gold Merit Award for

‘Leadership of the most inspiring kind’, was made to long serving Beaver Scout Leader Pat Moyne and a Chief Scouts Commendation for services to scouting to his daughter Aoife.

Other awards made on the night included:

?¢ Ivan Barrett – Silver Merit (exceptional and notable service) for leading the kayaking team.

?¢ John Butterly, Niall Rock, Paul McEvoy and James Doyle – Bronze Merit.

?¢ Aoife Moyne and Robert McKernan – Chief Scouts Commendations

?¢ County Commissioner Rosanne Whelan presented numerous Service Awards, the most outstanding of which was to group chairman Kevin Rowan for 40 years’ service.

?¢ Ivan Barrett Elaine Dunne and Lo Klinkenbergh – 15-Year Service.

?¢ Beaver Leader Alice Geraghty and Aideen Abbott – 10-Year Service.

?¢ Beaver Leaders Edward O’Donnell and Colin Lynch, Cub Leaders John Butterly, Niall Rock, Greg Venner, Derek Ennis, Robert McKernan, Leigh Hazzard Joan Desmond and Blaithín McCaffery, and Scout Leaders John Kenny, Stephen O’Reilly, Rob McGrath and Gerard Duffy received Five-Year Service awards.

?¢ Four Cubs Scouts, Claire McKernan, Ryan Butterly, Maia Kuzmin and Saoirse Lynch were presented with their Chief Scouts awards, badge, certificate and special neckerchief with a gold border.

The County Commissioner congratulated all the award recipients and praised the group for the contribution it makes to young people in the community.