This article was first published on December 11^th, 2008.

Community Leadership Awards 2008
“Making Monaghan A Better Place”

Hosted by County Monaghan Partnership, with support from Cavan Monaghan Rural Development, the third annual awards presentation night, Dec 8th '08, was held Monday night last in the Iontas Centre, Castleblayney.

It was a terrific way to round off the year, by recognizing and rewarding volunteers and local community groups who have worked tirelessly to “Make Monaghan a Better Place”.

In welcoming the crowd of almost 300 people, Gabriel O’Connell, Manager of County Monaghan Partnership expressed delight on behalf of County Monaghan Partnership and Cavan Monaghan Rural Development at hosting this Awards Event which recognizes the excellent work being done in the C & V sector throughout County Monaghan.

He congratulated the nominees and award winners and urged them to keep up the good work, whether or not they win an award.

In referring to the need to continue to promote equality and fairness, Gabriel pointed out that in 2006:

• One-third of those in consistent poverty were children
• 40% of ill or people with a disability are at risk of poverty
• One in three lone parent households experienced consistent poverty

He elaborated by saying: “All across this county and the State, community activism has been to the fore in bridging the gap between the equitable provision of public services and what is actually experienced on the ground. - This coupled with a downturn in our economy and cuts in public spending, now means that the state will find it even more difficult to serve the broad needs of its citizens.

Here this evening we applaud their commitment, we value their contribution, and we want to say to you - we support your vision for vibrant and sustainable communities throughout Co Monaghan”.

Guest of Honour
Guest of honour for the occasion was the well known and highly respected Fergus Finlay, Chief Executive of Barnardos, Ireland’s largest children’s charity. Fergus who has just completed a four year term as Chairperson of Special Olympics Ireland, and is the current chair of Volunteering Ireland enthralled the audience with his insightful and motivational speech. In his opinion, society cannot function properly without high levels of volunteering, which in practice means people coming forward to offer their help or support to any initiative that interests them and in whatever way they can. He complimented the nominees and award winners of their excellent achievement, assured of the value of their contribution to “making Monaghan a better Place” and urged them to keep the good work going.

Volunteering Award
The overall winner of the individual Volunteer Award for 2008 was Eileen Murphy from Ardaghey, who was described as “a driving force” in the local community for the past 40 years. Eileen coordinates the work of the Tidy Towns Committee, and is a key member of the Ardaghey A club and the Community Centre management committee.

Eight other individuals received Certificates of Achievement to recognize the huge amount of work being done by them in their communities – Betty Sheridan, Broomfield Day Care Centre, Sheila Comiskey, Castleblayney Carers Association, John Duffy, Threemilehouse Residents Association, Alice McElvaney, Drunkill Day Care, Martin McMahon, Carrickmacross Boxing Club, Anne Malone, Doohamlet Community Development Group, Nancy Rogers, Monaghan Meals on Wheels, Jean Wilkinson, National Council for the Blind, Tydavnet Parish Show, Monaghan Meals on Wheels, Tuesday Club, the ICA & Monaghan Methodist Church.

The Older Persons Group Award
went to “Blackhill Young at Heart”, Castleblayney which was set up over 8 years ago to improve the social life of senior citizens in their locality. The group organizes a social night every second week, as well as helping the local Community Alert Officer to improve home and personal security.

The Disability Group Award
was presented to the Special Needs Active Parents Group (SNAP). This group was set up to provide support to parents and families of children with special needs. As well as arranging social opportunities for families, the group also organizing information and training support on sign language, autism, healthy eating, and benefits/entitlements. A key support offered through the group is one of parents and families networking with each other, and sharing information and experiences, through which strength and encouragement is gained.

The 2nd Monaghan Town Scouts group which caters for young people from ages 6 – 16 years won the Youth Category Award. The group which currently has 75 members, has three sections – beavers, cubs and scouts; and provides a wonderful opportunity for young people to have fun while learning valuable life skills.

The Group Award for 2008 in the Women’s Category went to the YWCA, which has recently opened its’ brand new Community Facility on the North Road in Monaghan Town. The building already caters for a Mothers & Toddlers group, an After-Schools Club and Patchwork Classes. It houses the Y-zone drop in centre and the ISPCC and it has served as a venue for English Language classes for members of new communities.

The Community Development Group Award for 2008
went to the Phoenix Centre, Carrickmacross, a facility which is being used by over 1,000 people for sport and recreation on a weekly basis. The centre, which has a fully equipped gym provides local clubs with a space to train, including a fitness studio for aerobics and dance classes. It is a focal point for Ulster Schools basketball and also facilitates the Blood Transfusion Service on a bi-monthly basis.

The final Award of the Evening was the one for Community Enterprise and was presented to the Lisdoonan Development Association. The group was formed 15 years ago with the primary aim of improving the local area. Since it’s formation the group has had a long list of achievements, with the most recent being the establishment of a community convenience store, which was officially some months ago by President Mary McAleese. It has nine hard working committee members, who met every week to oversee developments and plan new projects.

Following the presentation of awards to the winning groups, Certificates of Achievements were presented to other groups in recognition of their work in making a huge difference to community life in county Monaghan in 2008. These were Tydavnet Macra na Feirme, Doohamlet Youth Club, Carricmacross Youth Club, Kileevan Youth Club, Castleblayney Scouts, Wednesday Boys Group, Doohamlet Daycare Centre, Carrickmacross Social Services, Castleblayney Social Services, Millenium Club for the Elderly, Mullaghmatt Drama Group, St. Michael’s Donaghmoyne, Connons Social Club, Monaghan Parents & Friends of People with Intellectual Disability, Solas Drop in Centre and Aghabog ICA.

Musical entertainment provided by Charlie McGettigan followed by refreshments rounded off a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007 - 2013