Outstanding citizens awards

The first recipients of the Mayor of Ennis’ Citizens Recognition Awards were this week heralded for their outstanding contribution to community life in the town.
Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Michael Guilfoyle, praised community worker and athletics promoter Arthur Ford and the late Ennis General Hospital campaigner Peadar McNamara for their “many personal sacrifices over the years in the unselfish giving of their time and expertise” at the ceremony on Tuesday.
The awards scheme was launched last November after Mayor Guilfoyle proposed to acknowledge people who, through their commitment to participating in unpaid community and voluntary activities, have made a significant impact on the quality of their communities in Ennis.  Ennis Town Council invited members of the public to submit nominations to the awards scheme.
Commenting on the decision to honour Peadar McNamara and Arthur Ford, Mayor Guilfoyle said, “Both these men and indeed their families, have made many personal sacrifices over the years in the unselfish giving of their time and expertise and it is fitting they now be accorded this Citizens Recognition Award.”
The Mayor continued, “The late Peadar McNamara was described as an extraordinary man in his nomination. His untiring campaign to maintain services at Ennis General Hospital and the formation of the Ennis Singers’ Club were two of the main reasons why he was chosen for this award. We all owe a debt to Peadar, as his work ensured the maintenance of so many services at Ennis General Hospital. He had always encouraged young and old to hold onto the songs and stories of long ago.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Guilfoyle said Arthur Ford had received the award as recognition of his contribution to athletics and the development of youth facilities in the town.
“I am delighted to able to officially recognise Arthur’s dedication and commitment to coaching athletics, both with his club Marian AC and with St Flannan’s College. Indeed, many of his young athletes have claimed provincial and national honours. Also, as one of the founding members of Team Co-Op – the organisation set up to provide a social outlet for young people by way of alcohol-free discos in a supervised environment. Arthur was also involved in setting up a drop-in coffee shop for the youth of Ennis and organises discos for Junior Certificate pupils. I think it is a fair observation that the youth of this town owe a great deal to Arthur Ford,” concluded Mayor Guilfoyle.
Mayor Guilfoyle hosted the awards in the Civic Room at the Ennis Town Council offices.