Mullingar Lions Club present recognition award to Bobbie Begley

Bobbie Begley, a veteran in Irish and local athletics, was honoured last week when Frank Dillon and Noel Murphy of Mullingar Lions Club visited the Mullingar Harriers clubhouse at Grange.

The purpose of their visit was to make a presentation to Bobbie to mark his contribution to athletics, in particular the founding of the Harriers in 1975, and development of the club in the half century since.

Frank made the presentation and in his address spoke of the contribution Bobbie and colleagues have made to the people of Mullingar through the development of the Harriers and their continuing place in the lives of so many in the town and beyond.

Frank said the award, named after the late Paddy Dunican, was first presented in 2024. It recognises individuals who contribute significantly to the Mullingar area in terms of people and community enhancement.

Frank said it was fitting to honour Bobbie Begley as Mullingar Harriers had just marked 50 years and are recognised for excellence in the promotion of athletics and the continuing development of all members.

Bobbie, addressing those present, thanked the Lions Club for their acknowledgement of the club and their achievements.

He said the award is not for him, but for all who worked so hard and dedicated themselves to enhancing the facilities at Grange which began in the late 1970s in a field with a single container to house basic equipment.

Today the club operate from an ever-improving clubhouse and have both a fully operational tartan track, gravel surfaced outside track, and field event throwing and jumping facilities to cater for members.