Athlone Sub Aqua Club "over the moon" at award success
Athlone Sub Aqua Club was named the overall winner at the recent Cathaoirleach Awards held in Belvedere House on Friday last.
Equipment Officer for Athlone Sub Aqua Club James Donnellan said that the committee members of the club were not expecting to win an award but that they were “absolutely over the moon” to win the overall award.
The local search and recovery diver added that the Athlone River Safety Group had nominated the club for the award and that they had in turn nominated the river safety group. “We had gone over to the awards not expecting something but we were hopeful.”
Mr Donnellan said that they were “very happy” to receive the award from Cathaoirleach Cllr Aengus O'Rourke who has been very supportive of the club's endeavours. “The award was huge recognition of the work the club has done.”
The Kiltoom native said it was the first time that the club had won a Cathaoirleach award and that it was “only from the support of all of the local businesses and people of Westmeath that enables (them) to provide the search and rescue” service that they provide.
Meanwhile, Athlone Tidy Towns scooped the Environment and Heritage category award. The Community Involvement award went to Athlone River Safety Awareness Group. Athlone O.N.E. and IUNVA received the Equality and Social Inclusion award. Athlone Girl Guides also won the STEM award for work on their lego robotics project.
Speaking at the awards, Cllr O'Rourke said: “For me, this is definitely one of the most important events in my year as Cathaoirleach because like you I am involved in community initiatives. But in my work, I see and come across some extraordinary people making an extraordinary difference. This evening, we will recognise these people and these groups and it is only right and proper that this kind of commitment and contribution to our communities is indeed recognised and acknowledged.
“By participating fully in their community, the people we will honour this evening not only help to create a better place, but their efforts also encourage and benefit others and, in some cases, even benefit those far beyond our shores.”
Cllr O Rourke added: “We have five category winners and one overall winner, I was honoured to sign Certificates of Recognition for 19 worthy nominees to the competition. It was no easy task to select award winners and in any case, each group/person nominated is very much a winner already. It's true to say that all of you here this evening are active citizens, sending out a positive message about what is happening in your community, inspiring others and contributing to the well-being of society.
“It has been a huge honour for me to serve as Chairman for this past year, I have one week left in my term so this event is one of the last that I will preside over as Cathaoirleach. But it truly has been a huge honour to represent my county and my home town of Athlone as Cathaoirleach for the past year.”