CARLOW PERSON OF THE YEAR 2005

Sr. THOMASINA PRESENTED WITH A PEOPLE OF THE YEAR AWARD (Report and Photos courtesy of William Paton)

Sr. Thomasina Murphy's service and dedication to children with dyslexia over a long number of years was recognised last Friday evening when she was presented with a People of the Year Award at a Gala Banquet in Carlow. The 2005 presentations were the seventh year of the People of the Year Awards and Sr. Thomasina joins Carmel Dawson, Eileen McNabb, John Lucas and Jen Dawson as Tullow recipients of these prestigious awards.

The Gala Banquet which was held in the Dolmen Hotel, Carlow was a black tie affair and those in attendance were greeted by Rachel Doyle, the Chairperson of the organising committee, which lists Christopher McQuinn amongst its number.

Sr. Thomasina was supported by a large number of relatives, friends and colleagues on the evening. Together they filled three tables and included members of the Brigidine Order; Sr. Mary Dalton, Sr. Paula Conway, St. Anna Creagh, Sr. Margaret Creagh and Sr. Mary Hiney. Her brother Phil and his wife Noeleen and her niece Fiona McGrail and her husband Kieran were in attendance, as well as her cousin Una Bailey and her husband Frank and their daughters Noelle Brophy and Marese Hennessy. Many friends were also in attendance including Gretta Gorman, Valerie Nolan, Anne Hickey, Mina Corrigan, Miram Moran, John and Elsie Morrissey, Anne McMahon, Seamus and Margaret Doyle and Aileen Doyle.

The Banquet Meal had a Cajun Chicken Strips starter, Cream of Wild Mushroom soup, a choice of either beef or a duo salmon and monkfish with a panache of fresh vegetables, herbed baby boiled and roast colcannon potatoes followed by a duo of cheesecake. All of which was exceptionally tasty and served very promptly.

Tullow Community School colleagues in attendance included Margaret Mulhall, Josephine Nugent, Kay Cuddihy, Maria Jackson, Sile Ni Fhlatharta, Alice Ashe, Tim Moriarty, Patricia Nolan, Mairead and Michael Dayton, Mary Proctor, Anne Corrigan, Paula Fleming, Catherine Garnier, Nigel James, Miriam Carbury, Patsy and Andy Butler, Imelda Keogh, John O Donovan, Mary Donohue, Michael Duke, David Kenny, Jackie Bailey and Sr. Mary Murphy (Mercy Order). Local politicians in attendance included Cllr. William and Connie Paton, Cllr. John and Mary Pender.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was R.T.E. personality Mary Kennedy who looked absolutely stunning and had obviously put in some hours preparing for the evening such was her professionalism in interviewing the awards winners.

Mary Kennedy described Sr. Thomasina as a native of Dunhill, County Waterford and a member of the Brigidine Order. She was nominated for an award for her work with students with special needs. In 1992 Sr. Thomasina completed a Diploma in Remedial and Compensatory Education in U.C.D. and was involved in the training of teachers in workshops for children with dyslexia. A group of parents in the Tullow area worked together to raise funds for equipment to provide a local service and the group now have 54 students from the surrounding area. Sr. Thomasina told Mary Kennedy that if students have self-confidence, they are enabled to take on the world with confidence it s important that they have permission to make mistakes and take responsibility for life.

Sr. Thomasina was presented with her Health and Welfare by Mr. Michael Walsh, M.D. of The Seven Oaks Hotel. Congratulations to all the award winners, particularly Sr. Thomasina and Anthony Dooley who won the overall Carlow Person of the Year Award 2005.

Below are some photos of the presentation courtesy of William Paton.

 

Sr Thomasina with her People of the Year award (Health and Welfare)

Sr Thomasina with her Brother Phil his wife Noelene, her niece Fiona and her husband Kiean McGrail

Frank and Una Bailey, Sr Thomasina, Kieran McGrail, Nolene Murphy, Phil Murphy and Fiona McGrail

Jackie Bailey, Michael Dukes, Miriam Carbury

Josephine Nugant, Paula Flemming, Patricia Nolan

Kay Cuddihy, Mary Donoghue, Emelda Keogh, Alice Ashe

Margaret Mulhall, Sr Mary Murphy, Mary McQuinn

William and Connie Paton

Maria Jackson, Margaret Doyle, Sile Ni Fhlatharta, Mary Proctor

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