Irish in Britain’s CEO Brian Dalton opened proceedings saying:
“It is worth remembering volunteering, at its core, changes lives. It reinforces the idea that everyone has something to offer and has within them the power to make a positive difference – and we don’t always get to say that in our day-to-day lives. For volunteers it can create not just new skills but a sense of belonging and kinship in our shared values.
“In a world that is so often transactional volunteering is a powerful reminder that people are willing to give their time, and skills, and commitment to keep people connected, looked after, not left behind. It is inspirational, and today is the very least we can do to honour that commitment.”
Musician and television studio floor manager, Niall Jackson compered the event.
He talked about the importance of identity for many Irish people in Britain and how he was always pleased to compere the event to pay tribute to the volunteers who do so much to support the Irish community across generations.
He thanked the event sponsor Clover HR and introduced their representative Louise Rance.
Louise said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Irish in Britain, and we are very happy to be sponsoring the 2024 volunteer awards which celebrates the enormous contribution of volunteers in the Irish community organisations in Britain.”
Niall thanked the three independent judges: Christina Lake, Deborah Forster and John Jolly, who had the difficult task of choosing winners and finalists among the strong nominations.
Outstanding individual
The first award of the day was for the Outstanding Individual Volunteer, which was presented to Maeve Heath from Irish Elderly Advice Network, who has been a volunteer for 45 years. She was accompanied by Tom Wheeler, Chair of the Network, and their Treasurer, Caroline Hetherton who spoke of Maeve’s endless energy and commitment, at 85-years-old she volunteers for up to 40 hours a week.
Maeve said, “I love what I do, as long as I can keep going, I will keep going”. The Award was sponsored by Karnival and Maeve received a glass plaque and a framed certificate. Thanks to a generous gift from Chef Anna Haugh, Maeve will also be dining out in style at Anna’s restaurant Myrtle.
The finalists in this category: Sean McMahon, Irish Community Care Merseyside and Alan Worswick from Comhaltas, Ashton-in-Makerfield, were presented with glass plaques and framed certificates.
Trustee Award
Next up was the Outstanding Trustee Award, and David Lennon from the award sponsors, Moreland Investments Ltd, who have supported the Awards since their creation, presented prizes to the finalists: Colum Mackey, from Lewisham Irish Community Centre, and Barbara Aherne from Irish Community Care Manchester.
David then announced the winner of the Award, John McCarthy from The Traveller Movement. John had been nominated by two people, Sabrina Franklin from The Traveller Movement and John Delahunty, Chief Executive of Innisfree Housing Association.
Sabrina said that John always “went above and beyond... his passion for the cause is evident in every interaction” She described him as a “powerful advocate and spokesperson… who also leaves a lasting impression as a true champion for social justice and equality”. John Delahunty described John as an “ambassador for Innisfree” and “the best neighbour you could ever hope for”.
David also presented John with the gift of a beautiful Irish Hamper, donated by ‘Your Irish Shop’. John told the audience that he felt emotional accepting the Award and thanked both organisations for nominating him. He spoke of his pride in being a Traveller man and of the discrimination that Travellers have faced. He said he hoped to help break down stereotypes and be a role model for the community.
Ambassador presents Award
Ambassador Martin Fraser and his wife Deirdre, herself a volunteer, joined the event and the Ambassador took to the stage to present the Award for Outstanding Young Person, sponsored by VitHit, to winner Quincy Majekadegbe from Manchester Irish Community Care, who also received a hamper from VitHit.
Quincy was nominated by Francis Duncan from Irish Community Care Manchester, who said Quincy “exemplified the organisation’s values of care, culture and community” and spoke of Quincy’s commitment and of how important it was to involve younger generations in the community.
Group Award
Niall introduced the award for Outstanding Volunteer Group, which was sponsored by Galway Crystal. Louise Rance from Clover HR presented the awards of their behalf alongside a gift for the winners donated by Leading Minds of a special afternoon tea.
Louise invited finalists to the stage and presented plaques and certificates to ‘Tír na nÓg’- Jersey Irish Society and Leeds Irish Health and Homes Luncheon Club.
The winners of the Outstanding Volunteer Group ‘The Ramblers’, from Birmingham Irish Association, were nominated by Roisin Mason, Volunteer Co-ordinator, and they were accompanied on stage by Liam Blackwood, Wellbeing and Activities Co-ordinator.
Liam described how inspiring the Ramblers were, meeting every Friday to get together to walk and talk and keep people connected, making sure everyone feels welcome to join them.
Special Recognition Award
The final Award of the event was the David O’Keeffe, Special Recognition Award. Irish in Britain created the Award in memory of the late David O’Keeffe, who was the General Manager of the Irish Cultural Centre until his sudden death in 2019.
David had a distinguished career in community arts and media and championed our unique cultural contribution here in Britain. The recipient is chosen by the Irish in Britain team and is now an annual feature of the awards.
Brian Dalton announced Dr Tony Murray as the winner of the Award this year, describing him as “a man who has spent his career promoting Irish culture, Irish writing and diaspora history in Britain.” Brian talked about the impact of Tony’s work, in particular his role in expanding and promoting the Archive of the Irish in Britain, saying:
“As a community we are deeply grateful and privileged that we to have people like Tony bringing our history, our unique community story to new audiences – he is one of our own telling our story to the world.”
Architect and artist Angela Brady joined Brian on stage to add her own tribute and presented Tony with a unique piece of her own glassware.
Tony was also presented with a generous gift donated by Richard Corrigan’s restaurant - Daffodil Mulligan.
Tony said he was “moved and humbled” to receive the Award, and paid tribute to everyone he had worked with at the Archive and beyond. He thanked all the volunteers over the years, including some in the room, without whom none of it would have been possible.
The event wrapped up with group photos and food and refreshments, sponsored by Innisfree Housing Association, with plenty of craic and stories shared.
Brian Dalton summed up the sentiment of the event when he said:
“Volunteering brings us together, bring communities together, and that is hugely important at a time when it seems there is so much division. That is the power of volunteering and why we are so proud to be here today to celebrate the winners and runners up in our Awards”.
Photos: Malcom McNally Photography