Phil, a ‘force to be reckoned with’ recognised at 2023 Cathaoirleach Awards

Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, had just a week left in his term when he stood up to make a speech at the 2023 Cathaoirleach Awards at Belvedere House on Friday evening. He said it was one of the most important events in his year, because it recognises the role of community volunteers.

“We are all stakeholders in our communities – we have in my view a responsibility to do our bit for one another and for our communities,” he said. “In my work, I see and come across some extraordinary people making an extraordinary difference. This evening, we will recognise these people and these groups, and it is only right and proper that this kind of commitment and contribution to our communities is recognised and acknowledged.”

He said the people honoured at the Cathaoirleach Awards “help to create a better place, and their efforts encourage and benefit others and, in some cases, even benefit those far beyond our shores”.

“It’s true to say that all of you here this evening are active citizens, sending out positive messages about what is happening in your communities, inspiring others and contributing to the wellbeing of society. Some of you are volunteering with adults, youth groups and older people. Some are active in Tidy Towns and in residents associations.

"Some of you are involved in sports organisations working with the young and not so young. Others of you are involved in the arts and culture – music and bands. Some have served the state with distinction at home and served in peacekeeping abroad and are now looking after your less fortunate former colleagues. Some of you are working in the community to keep us all safe. And, of course there are those of you who tirelessly fundraise for those less fortunate than ourselves.”

Cllr O’Rourke thanked the guest speaker for the evening, Rose of Tralee Rachel Duffy, who was hugely popular with the capacity audience. “Rachel has been a wonderful ambassador for Westmeath and for Ireland, a proud Westmeath woman – has a positive outlook on life, is a hard worker and is a fantastic role model for young women everywhere. Thank you Rachel.”

He also thanked Annette Barr Jordan for the organisation that had gone in to the event, and those working with her – Ursula Harper, Breda Reynolds, Laura Costello, Andrew Slevin. Lourdes Neary, Margaret Egan, Annemarie Nash and Olive Manning.

There were several awards (more details next week) and several of the main ones went to the Athlone end of the country; one that came to north Westmeath was the Active Elderly Award, which was presented to Phil Brennan.

Event host and organiser, Annette Barr Jordan, in the citation on Phil, said: “This award goes to a long-term activist in the community and the county, who was instrumental in establishing many local groups and national organisations to support communities across the country.

“This volunteer is known to many in Westmeath for her ability to plan, write, speak and influence, and has always been an advocate of positive change for rural Ireland.

“Nominated for having many handles to her cup, she was, and still is, involved in projects to support rural transport, rural financial projects like Leader, support for farm families, women, youth clubs, community employment schemes, ICA, Country Markets and Aid Action.

“A force to be reckoned with, this lady also shows a softer side on occasions with her love of history and story telling and her general delight in being with and helping people in the community and further afield.

“The nominating body said the world is a better place when she is in it.”