Clare County Council is seeking nominations for the Cissie Roughan Award 2016, a civic award honouring individuals and voluntary organisations that have contributed significantly to the town of Kilrush.
Set up in 1993 by Kilrush Town Council to give public recognition to Councillor Cissie Roughan’s work as a member of the Local Authority from 1980 to 1991, the civic award promotes and encourages participation and achievement in the arts, social, business, education, sporting and general life of the town.
The award scheme is open to anyone to nominate the person or persons, not necessarily resident in Kilrush, who have made an outstanding contribution to Kilrush society.
Councillor Bill Slattery, Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District said, “Clare County Council is aware of the vital importance of community spirit and activity to the town, and of the positive contribution and effect of those who strive for community spirit and welfare in a range of endeavours. Such people play a vital role in sustaining and improving the quality of life to be enjoyed here and I look forward to a successful competition for the Cissie Roughan Award.”
The recipients to receive awards will be selected by an adjudication committee while an awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 24 next. The overall winner will be presented with a perpetual trophy.
Independent TD Michael Harty acknowledged the decision by Clare Council to once again invite nominations for the Cissie Roughan Awards.
Dr. Harty said that the late Cissie Roughan was a great community person and was the first woman to take her seat on Kilrush Town Council when she was co-opted in 1980 in place of her late cousin John Enright. Her work in the community ensured her election in 1985 after which she was the first woman to become Chairperson of the Council.
“These awards which were instituted a short time after her death in the early nineties serve a number of useful purposes. They recognise individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution to Kilrush and recall a woman who worked tirelessly with representatives of all parties and none in the best interests of the town.
“At a time when services to our rural towns and villages are under threat as never before, it is really important to honour those who give their time and talents in the service of the community for no monetary reward. In sport, education, care services, social activities and the arts they are the unsung heroes of Ireland on whom we rely on to deliver a vast range of services and support structures that enhance all our lives,” said Dr. Harty.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.