If you ever doubted that the best of things comes in pairs, perhaps Darryl and Declan Barry will make you think again.

A Limerick nun who helps bereaved children look forward to their future again was among 11 volunteer heroes honoured in Dublin last night for their contribution to communities.

The Celtic Tiger, which has improved Irish life in innumerable ways, has also changed the way Irish people view their place in society.

Over 400 business and professional people have registered with an online volunteer register in the last year, offering their business skills and expertise to the boards of community and voluntary (nonprofit) organisations.

There has been a call for more people to get involved in voluntary work.