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Honour those who inspire us all .. the search is on to find Ireland’s People of the Year.Do you know someone whose achievements have made a positive impact in their local community, nationally or internationally?
Sporting hero and previous winner of a People of the Year Award as the Greatest Living Irish Sportsperson (2004), Sonia O’Sullivan, today joined with other past recipients in calling for people to nominate their heroes for the 2009 People of the Year Awards. The Awards, which are organised by Rehab, sponsored by QUINN-healthcare, and televised live on RTÉ One, take place on Saturday 12th September.
Celebrating their 35th anniversary in 2009, the Awards provide a unique opportunity for the Irish public to honour outstanding contributions made by individuals and organisations to life in Ireland. Nominations for the Awards can be submitted online at www.peopleoftheyear.com or by email at poy@quinn-healthcare.com. The closing date for entries is June 1, 2009.
Sonia O’Sullivan was joined at the launch in St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, by other former winners, including Fr Peter McVerry (2005) and seven-year-old Ronan Hayes (2008), who saved the life of his younger sister when she fell into a septic tank.
The winners of the People of the Year Awards are chosen by members of the public through a nominations process and finalised by a panel of adjudicators comprising of leading members of the public service, community, business and media sectors. The Awards include the the International Person of the Year and the Young Person of the Year (under 25 years of age). In addition, there are a number of People of the Year Awards presented for achievements in the areas of community service, arts and culture, sports and public sector achievement, among others.
Commenting at the launch, Mr Dónal Clancy, General Manager, QUINN-healthcare said: “This is QUINN-Healthcare’s third year working with the People of the Year Awards and we are delighted to play a role in recognising individuals and organisations who have achieved extraordinary things. I never cease to be inspired by the outstanding contributions that citizens make to the life of the nation, whether it’s putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others or making Ireland a better place for all of us to live.”
Ms. Angela Kerins, Rehab Chief Executive, added: “The success of the People of the Year Awards is a true testament to all those who have achieved so much for their family, community and country. People can be nominated for great achievement in community work, international work and public service and there is also a special category for young people aged under 25. This past year has been a challenging one for the Irish public and it is often during tough times that we show our true character and do extraordinary things. I would urge everyone to get behind the call for nominations before the 1st June and make our 35th birthday the very best year in recognising those who have made a difference.”
Steve Carson, Director of Programmes, RTÉ Television, added: “This is RTÉ’s 26th year to televise the People of the Year Awards and once again RTÉ Television is continuing its long and successful association with Rehab. Now in their 35th year, these awards recognise the remarkable achievements of some truly extraordinary people. As Ireland’s public service broadcaster, RTÉ is proud to bring this national event to a national television audience and play our part in saluting the exemplary people who will eventually be recognised on this year’s programme.”
Past winners of the People of the Year Awards include Sir Bob Geldof, Padraig Harrington, Mary Robinson, Veronica Guerin, Mo Mowlam, Christy Moore, Darren Sutherland, Kenny Egan and Keith Duffy.
Nomination forms are also available from Rehab, Roslyn Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4 or by telephoning (01) 205 7200. All entries should include details of the nominee and the reasons why they should win an Award. g a nominations process and finalised by a panel of adjudicators comprising of leading members of the public service, community, business and mediasectors. The Awards include the International Person of the Year and the Young Person of the Year (under 25 years of age). In addition, a number of People of the Year Awards will be presented for achievements in the areas of community service, arts and culture, sports and public sector achievement, among others.
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