'Exceptional contribution' of Athlone and Midlands Samaritans recognised

The “the exceptional contribution” the Athlone and Midlands Samaritans have made to the community over more than 30 years has been acknowledged and celebrated in an Official Address of Recognition from the county council.

Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, deputy mayor of the Municipal District of Athlone Moate (MDAM), conferred the address at a ceremony attended by members of the municipal district and representatives of the Athlone and Midlands Samaritans in the Council Chamber in Athlone Civic Centre on Thursday April 28.

Cllr O’Rourke presented the scroll on behalf of the mayor, Cllr Liam McDaniel, and Westmeath County Council, to Marie Moran, Director of Athlone and Midlands Samaritans.

The according of the Address of Recognition was agreed at the February meeting of the MDAM to mark the organisation’s 30 years of outstanding service to the community.

Cllr O’Rourke congratulated and thanked the members on their years of service and said the fact that 13 members who started the branch in 1992 are still giving their time 30 years later is truly remarkable.

“I want to acknowledge this evening the volunteers who give their time in such a selfless and modest way,” he said. “There is no credit or attention sought for the work they do – they do it because they are kind people, they care for others and they are generous through and through.

“It was a great honour for me to propose the Athlone and Midlands Samaritans for this civic honour to mark an important anniversary.

"I felt it was important that we recognise and pay tribute to the service to the people of the four counties of the midlands.

"I would in particular like to recognise the thousands of hours of commitment provided by many volunteers over all the years.”