Teacher chosen Kerry Person of the Year

A TEACHER, who has for more than 30 years motivated young people to lookafter the elderly in their community, has been selected Kerry Person of the Year 2006 by the Kerry Association in Dublin.

Jeremiah O’Donoghue and his students have won numerous awards in the Rathmore area.

The announcement was made at a reception at the ESB head office in Dublin, last night by the association’s cathaoirleach, Eileen O’Sullivan.

Ms O’Sullivan described how Mr O’Donoghue, principal of the second-level school in Rathmore, founded the Rathmore Social Action Group (SAG), in 1975.

“The welfare of the young and the old are his priorities and by encouraging and involving the youth it has helped them to become caring, compassionate young people with a sense of self worth,” she said.

“The young people of the group are involved in doing whatever can be done to dignify the lives of senior citizens.”

The SAG has helped provide a state-of-the-art day care centre, 27 residential houses for the elderly, meals on wheels, a modern youth centre, a creche and playgroup facilities, as well as providing transport, social events and holidays for senior citizens.

It continues to fundraise for future developments for the benefit of the community.

The award, now in its 27th year, has been presented to people who are doing most for their locality and for Kerry as a whole, or whose achievements on a national or international scale during the year has reflected most credit on the county.

A specially commissioned piece of sculpture by Cliona Cussen, sponsored by the Kerry Group, will be presented to Mr O’Donoghue at the association’s 54th annual dinner dance at Moran’s Red Cow Hotel, on Saturday February 25.

Ms O’Sullivan paid a special tribute to Mr O’Donoghue’s wife, Eileen, who is chief executive and matron of St Joseph’s Centre, Rathmore.