RECOGNITION: Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Niall Kelleher, presenting Sergeant Dermot O'Connell, Killarney Garda Station, with his award in recognition of his creation of the ‘Operation Páistí’ safety initiative, at the Kerry County Council Annual Awards, at the Great Southern Killarney. Also included is Moira Murrell, Chief Executive Kerry County Council and Cathaoirleach Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Michael Gleeson. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

By Colm Looney

Killarney teenage hero Ian O’Connell and Sergeant Dermot O’Connell were among the Killarney community leaders who were honoured at the Kerry County Council and Municipal District Awards ceremony on Friday night (February 21).

[caption id="attachment_30392" align="alignleft" width="1024"] AWARD WINNERS: Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District Cllr Michael Gleeson with local councillors, presenting, Rena Kennelly, front centre, with her award. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]

Kerry County Council paid tribute to the town’s top achievers at a gala awards ceremony in the Great Southern Killarney.

[caption id="attachment_30391" align="alignleft" width="1024"] LOCAL HERO: Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District Cllr Michael Gleeson, presenting, Rena Kennelly, Killarney, in recognition of lifetime dedication and creation of St Mary's Cathedral annual Christmas Crib, Killarney, at the Kerry County Council Annual Awards, at the Great Southern Killarney. Also included is, Angela McAllen, Manager Killarney Municipal District and Cllr Donal Grady. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]

The annual awards were presented to teams, organisations, groups and individuals who had achieved notable success and brought distinction and honour to their communities and their native county.

The awards were presented to the Killarney recipients by Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Cllr Niall Kelleher and Cathaoirleach of Killarney MD Cllr Michael Gleeson. A Civic Reception was also conferred to Killarney teenager Ian O’Connell to honour his courage and positive attitude in the face of adversity, following his severe cycling accident in August 2017, which left him badly injured at the age of 16.

“We pay tribute to those who have pursued their dreams, excelled in their field, led community or voluntary groups, achieved records and new personal bests, and brought glory to their teams on the field of play,” Cathaoirleach Niall Kelleher said.

“Your stories and achievements are truly inspiring and prove again that, in Kerry, our people are our best asset. We thank you for your heroism, dedication and tenacity.”

[caption id="attachment_30390" align="alignleft" width="1024"] MUSIC MAGIC: Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District Cllr Michael Gleeson, presenting Ann Mangan and team from Killarney Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in recognition of their gold winning achievements at Fleadh Cheoil na h-ƒEireann 2019, at the Kerry County Council Annual Awards, at the Great Southern Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]

Sgt Dermot O’Connell was awarded for his creation of the ‘Operation Páistí’ safety initiative which he devised in 2018 to make it easier for parents to understand the safest way to restrain children in cars.

Killarney woman Rena Kennelly’s work on the Nativity Scene in the cathedral was recognised, as she was awarded for the all the hard-work she has put into designing it over the last 46 years.

Killarney Scorchers Cheerleading Club and Killarney Comhaltas Dancers were also awarded for their never-ending ability to display the talents of youths across the town since they were both founded.

[caption id="attachment_30389" align="alignleft" width="1024"] LEADERS: Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District Cllr Michael Gleeson, presenting Killarney Scorchers Cheerleading Club: Hayley Murphy and team in recognition of the achievements in the International Cheerleading Championships, at the Kerry County Council Annual Awards, at the Great Southern Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]