Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., at the Limerick Person of the Year Awards 2006 in the Clarion Hotel, Limerick on Friday, 2 February, 2007 at 7.45pm
Everyone knows that Limerick people are passionate about their rugby. On my recent visit to Thomond Park for the Munster and Leicester Tigers match, I saw again at first hand the intensity with which the fans embrace their sporting heroes. But Limerick people are also passionate and proud of their community. And so you should be. It is this genuine community spirit that has made tonight possible.
Tonight is all about embracing and celebrating the heroes in our own community who have gone that extra mile to make a difference.
The Limerick Person of the Year Awards provides an important acknowledgement for ordinary people among us who have done extraordinary things. We are here to honour their achievements and celebrate their success while at the same time, hopefully inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
Whether in the world of sport, enterprise, arts, education, community or volunteer work, all our nominees here tonight have displayed phenomenal courage and dedication.
Even with the busy lives we all lead today, it is reassuring to see that there are still people in our society who are thinking of others and want to help those less fortunate. This is all in the spirit of volunteering and active citizenship - issues which are very close to my own heart. It is important for the future of our society that we continue to nurture and promote this spirit of goodwill.
As we have seen here tonight in the clips just shown, some of our nominees have overcome huge challenges. And even in the face of adversity, each of you has reached your goal. Your commitment and vision are a source of inspiration to us all. Paul, Mary, Rachael, Micheal, Tom, Mike, Jerry, Derek, Andrew, Stephen, Leah and Peadar, each one of you can be extremely proud of your achievements and congratulations to you all.
I also want to give special mention to Kay McGuinness, Director of Southern Advertising who has organised this event. Thanks Kay for your tremendous work. A special thanks also to this year's sponsors, the Limerick Leader, Southern Advertising and the Clarion Hotel. Thank you very much for your generous support and help towards these very worthy awards.
Of course, tonight Limerick is embracing and celebrating another local hero, your very own Sir Terry Wogan. I am delighted that Limerick is recognising you with this special "Lifetime Achievements Award" as you celebrate a distinguished career in broadcasting spanning many decades. Congratulations Sir Terry on the monumental legacy you have left to the world of broadcasting. You have been a wonderful ambassador for Limerick and for Ireland.
I know the people of Limerick, as well as people all over Ireland, will want to thank you for the hours of entertainment you have provided over the years to millions on both sides of the Irish Sea. While there have been many highlights in your lifetime, I am sure, some of the more memorable ones will include your honorary OBE award in 1997 in the New Year's Honours List along with your honorary knighthood in June 2005.
So before I hand you over to hear the identity of the Limerick Person of the Year for 2006, I would like to once again congratulate all twelve nominees being honoured here tonight. I hope you all have a great evening and continued success to each and every one of you.
Thank you.
ENDS.