Credit Unions and missionary priest among Lord Mayor’s award winners

A missionary priest and the Irish League of Credit Unions were among those presented with the 2007 Lord Mayor’s Awards in the capital tonight.

Since its inauguration in 1989, the special accolade honours individuals and groups which have made significant contributions to Dublin and its citizens.

Youth workers Eddie McGrane and Maureen O’Sullivan, missionary priest Fr Seamus Ryan and Dr Patrick Plunkett of St John’s Ambulance were each presented with the award at a gala ceremony in the Mansion House.

The Daughters of Charity of St Vincent De Paul and the Irish League of Credit Unions were also recognised.

“I am delighted to be honouring the accomplishments of four exceptional individuals and two organisations for their dedicated and outstanding service to the citizens of Dublin,” Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Vincent Jackson said.

“The commitment, care and generosity they display in their everyday lives to a wide range of people is an inspiration to us all.”

The four individuals were presented with a special pin and scroll by Lord Mayor Jackson, while the organisations received a plaque and scroll.

Fr Ryan was recognised for his tireless devotion to missionary work, together with his commitment in creating a sense of community, particularly in the Ballyfermot area.

A volunteer with An Oige, Eddie McGrane was presented with the award for his dedication to opening up travel opportunities, especially those for young people.

Maureen O’Sullivan was recognised for her commitment to youth work with the North East Inner City parish of St Joseph’s, while Dr Patrick Plunkett was honoured for his contribution to medicine, his tireless work for the underprivileged and the elderly, and for his service as a volunteer in the St John’s Ambulance Brigade.

The St Vincent De Paul Daughters of Charity were presented with the award for its contribution to the sick and elderly.

The Irish League of Credit Unions were recognised for its sense of duty to the community.