THE inaugural Southside People Community and Sports Awards 2018 were launched in the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, at a breakfast meet and greet last week.
Speaking at the launch, Conor Mahon, General Manager of the Dublin People Group of Newspapers, said it was fitting that Southside People should launch the awards in the year of the newspaper's 26th anniversary.
“We have been the voice of local communities, giving groups and organisations a forum for the past three decades,” Conor said.
“We have always been considered the number one local newspaper for recognising and celebrating the achievements of local people.
“We have a long business association with the Talbot Hotel in Stillorgan and are delighted to hold our inaugural awards event here.
“We would like these awards to become a highlight of our events calendar,” he added.
“We are delighted that Joe Duffy will act as MC on the night as he has been a great supporter of the Dublin People Group of Newspapers over the years and has covered many of our stories on 'Liveline'.”
Conor took the opportunity to thank Daragh O’Neill and his team, including Michelle Wray, at the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, who are host partners for the awards, as well as the various sponsors.
These include Capital Credit Union, Best 4 Travel, Stafford Funeral Directors, Beacon Hospital and the Blackrock Further Education Institute.
There are 10 categories across sport and community in total, with an award for the winner of each one – as nominated by our readers and voted on by our panel of judges.
In addition, there will be an overall Sports Award and Community Award selected from the category winners.
Our shortlisted nominees will be invited to a gala awards ceremony in the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, on Friday, April 20.
The various categories (in Sport) include ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Achievement in Sport’, ‘Club of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’, among others.
In the Community categories, there is ‘Volunteer of the Year’, ‘Young Community Person of the Year’, and ‘Business in the Community’ for example.
And there is even a ‘Best School in the Community’ award and the award for ‘Most Inclusive Employer’.
For more details on the awards and on how to enter your club, team or business, see pages 14 and 15 in this week’s Southside People.
