Moore woman wins Roscommon's Most Inspirational Person award

Moore woman Valerie Duffy is celebrating this week after being named Westmeath’s Most Inspirational Person at this year’s Gala Retail Inspiration Awards with Virgin Media.

Valerie’s extensive work within Roscommon’s various community groups have earned her the title and Valerie said it was a big surprise to be nominated for the award. “It's nice recognition for the work that has been put in. I'm very grateful.”

The local woman is a volunteer with multiple community groups including Moore Community Council, Moore Community Playground and Camcloon NS Board of Management, and has been a cornerstone in securing thousands of euro in funding for various projects.

The community now boasts a playground, a refurbished community hall and a much-needed play area in one of the local schools, which Valerie played a vital role in achieving.

Established four years ago to celebrate individuals who work to create better communities with their selfless acts and inspirational deeds, Gala Retail awarded inspirational people from every county in Ireland, naming county inspirational people who were each gifted €1,000 in Ireland Hotel vouchers.

From a huge volume of nominations, 26 county heroes were crowned. Noreen Murphy, from Bantry in County Cork, was named as the Overall Inspirational Person of the Year for her services to mental health with the establishment of Lisheen’s House Suicide Prevention Charity.

According to Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, choosing the winners was a challenging task.

“We’ve heard some truly inspirational stories from people across Ireland during these awards, which has affirmed something we already knew – that we have so many selfless people carrying out great work in our communities,” Gary said.

Mr Desmond continued: “Now in their fourth year, the Inspiration Awards pay tribute to people who play a key role in 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 and Valerie along with the fellow inspirational heroes are true examples of people who are making Ireland a better place. Congratulations Valerie and all our county heroes!”

Gala Retail has gifted €26,000 of prizes to the winners with the 26 county winners being awarded with €1000 hotel getaways across Ireland.