Thirteen people were honoured for their outstanding achievements recently by the Members of Baltinglass Municipal District at an event to present the Cathaoirleach’s annual achievement awards.
The individuals honoured at the event were: Jill Fadden, Lucy Mulhall, Bridget (Dilly) Whittle, Jason Mulhall, Billy Tyrell, Eileen Flanagan, Julie Walsh and Richard Burke.
Individuals unable to attend on the night and will receive their awards at a later date are:
George Hadden, Jim Schofield, Nicky Lacey, Noel Nagle and Louise Quinn.
Municipal District Cathaoirleach, Cllr Edward Timmins, said he was delighted to make these presentations to some very special recipients adding that it was a truly memorable event with recipients representing a varied spectrum of talents including music, literature, sport and charity work.
“None of the recipients here this evening sought recognition, rather, their deeds are worthy of it. “From Community work to Local Hero’s, from covering great distances to competing on the world stage. Each and every one of you should be proud of what you have accomplished. You deserve this award tonight.” said Timmins
“I was delighted to be able to invite along your family and friends to be here, for the value of achievements is added to when you can celebrate with those closest to you. I would like to acknowledge the support that they have given to you over the course of your endeavours. To them I say there is no greater power and support you can give someone than to look them in the eye, and with sincerity and conviction say, I believe in you.” he continued.
Breege Kilkenny, Baltinglass District Manager, congratulated each individual on their achievement which gave an insight into the dedication, effort, skill and courage being recognised by the District.
Each recipient was presented with a gift of a personalised engraved slate, in a timber presentation box, produced locally by Laser Now.
Award Winners:
Jill Fadden – Representative for the Wicklow U14 Girls Football Team
Winners of the All-Ireland Bronze Final 2023 battled it out on the field against Clare to bring home an All – Ireland title to Wicklow, and in so doing, bringing honour to the District.
Lucy Mulhall – Captain of the Irish 7s Rugby Team who recently qualified for next year’s Olympics Member of the Ireland 15 Ladies Rugby Team, Member of the Wicklow Ladies Junior 2011 Team, Member of Tinahely Ladies GAA, and in so doing, bringing honour to the District.
Brigid (Dilly) Whittle – a proud Clare woman who has become the Heart & Soul of Community life in the Village of Donard,
Principal of the National School in Donard, set up Comhaltas in Donard, giving every child in the community the opportunity to learn Irish music, held monthly Mini Fleadhs all over the County, Founding Member of Donard ICA, and in so doing, bringing honour to the District.
Jason Mulhall – Blessington Tidy Towns,
Tireless work with Tidy Towns for over a decade, Blessington District Forum, Blessington Town Team, The West Wicklow Environmental Network, PPN Representative on the County Wicklow LCDC and in so doing, bringing honour to the District.
Billy Tyrell – Parnell AC,
Wicklow Championship in 2022, Leinster Gold Medals in 1500m and 3000m, Leinster Road Race Championship medal winner, Cross Country championship medal winner in Cork 2022, So many other Leinster and National titles, too many to mention, World Gold Medal for the over 65 team in Poland this year, and in so doing, bringing honour to the District.
Eileen Flanagan – The Tinahely St. Vincent de Paul Society,
Spearheaded the Tinahely St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Older Peoples Resource Centre in Tinahely over many years andin so doing, bringing honour to the District.
Julie Walsh
Julie’s Sister and Brother-in-law passed away only weeks apart, sadly leaving three-year-old twins, Caoimhe and Sinead, orphaned. Julie left her job in Dublin and moved back to the Glen to raise her two nieces. Julie has dedicated her life to the twins and doesn’t regret a minute of it and in so doing, bringing honour to the District.
Richard Burke
For years of dedicated work and commitment to local community and sporting groups, such as Local Tidy Towns and Hollywood GAA and in so doing, bringing honour to the District.
George Hadden
Member of the Ireland U20 Rugby Team, Member of the Clontarf Rugby Club, played for Tinahely GAA club from juvenile to minor and in so doing bringing, honour to the District.
Jim Schofield
Jim’s Covid Project was completed in the cramped quarters of his extended garage, where he self-built the 19ft McIntyre Globe 5.80 offshore sailboat, “Molly Claire”. Then his Covid Breakout achievement was to solo sail this tiny boat across the Atlantic via the Canaries and in so doing bringing, honour to the District.
Nicky Lacey
Nicky recently retired as Senior Fire Officer in Tinahely with nearly 40 years of service in the Fire Service and in so doing bringing, honour to the District.
Noel Nagle
The Wolfe Tones celebrate sixty years on the road this year, they were formed in 1963 and as a young ballad group started playing in Blessington in many bars with Reid’s Lounge (Formerly the Bus Bar) being a regular gig. Noel Nagle and Brian Warfield both live in Blessington with Tommy Byrne just over the border in Redgap, Rathcoole and in so doing, bringing honour to the District.
Louise Quinn – Irish International Soccer Player
Louise was born and reared in Knockerin, Blessington. She started her Football career with Lakeside Girls and was part of the Lakeside All-Ireland Community Games Winning team in 1998. Louise also played on underage Blessington boys teams for some years. Having played for clubs such as Peamount, Notts County and Arsenal she now plays for Birmingham City and in so doing, bringing honour to the District.
