Three Midlands Residents Named Among Most Inspirational People In Ireland

Thursday, 2 December 2021 18:40

They earned the recognition through a variety of different community work.

Three people in the midlands are being honoured as some of Ireland's most inspirational people.

Kathleen Sheridan from Stradbally, Co. Laois, Ken Smollen from Clara Co. Offaly and Theresa Flynn of Kilucan Co. Westmeath are among 26 winners of the Gala Retail and Virgin Media awards.

They were chosen from hundreds of nominations in each county.

Ms. Kathleen took the title in the O'Moore County after rasing over €100,00 for her local community.

Cllr. Smollen was recognised for his work founding and volunteering with the Ken Smollen Food Appeal. Over 1,000 families are currently on his list to receive food.

Ms. Finn stood out for her dedication in helping to run a 100 % volunteer charity called Airc Midlands to help families that have children with disabilities. She actively raises awareness , arranges inclusive activities and even in lockdown arranged over 300 care packages to support these families.

Commenting on the quality of the entries, Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail comments:

“We’re a national brand with a local focus, which is why we’ve partnered with Virgin Media to delivering a national platform to shine a light on and reward the amazing people who are making a real difference to Irish society.

“Now in their third year the Inspiration Awards pay homage to people from all across Ireland who play their part creating a better country for us all. Operating in communities throughout Ireland, Gala Retailers have seen first-hand some of the great work that people have been doing and we are proud to have been able to recognise some of these inspirational individuals. We were overwhelmed by the level of nominations we received and Theresa along with the fellow inspirational heroes are true examples of people who are making Ireland a better place for us all.”

2021 marks the third year of the Gala Retail Inspiration Awards created as a way of celebrating the selfless acts and inspirational deeds of people in Ireland who are making the country a better place.

Marian Mattimoe from Mayo was named as Overall Inspirational Person.