Magazine times its honours for duo

VERY fitting, indeed, that two of Ireland's best known people should receive the gold watch.

Busy people Norma Smurfit and Albert Reynolds know the value of time and how best to use it.

Last night the dynamic duo graciously accepted their dues as clear winners of the People of Our Time Awards organised by Social & Personal magazine. S&P publisher Nell Stewart Liberty hosted the soirée at the Morgan Hotel, in Dublin’s Temple Bar.

“I am delighted and very proud to receive this honour,” said Norma. “However, I think each person in every category deserves credit for his or her worthwhile and meaningful work.”

Albert, a man not given to wasting time on long speeches, simply said he felt “proud and privileged” to have won the award.

Readers were invited in the magazine’s June issue to nominate the people they felt most worthy of the title and out of “the enormous entry” Norma and Albert emerged head and shoulders over all other contenders.

At least half the world knows Ms Smurfit uses her legendary skills as a fund-raiser for a wide range of charitable organisations.

Former Taoiseach Reynolds, a familiar face in a number of the country’s boardrooms, was chosen for his key role as architect and major contributor to the Northern Ireland peace process.

Norma received a stunning Parsifar watch in 18ct gold and steel, with a mother-of-pearl dial and 12 diamonds.

Albert’s was also an 18ct gold and steel Parsifar watch. The reception was held in association with Raymond Weil and Appleby Jewellers of Dublin.