Awards recognise community volunteers

Lord Mayor of Dublin Eibhlin Byrne with 90-year-old saxophonist Seán McGuinness, who was presented with one of Dublin City Council's Unsung Hero Awards in the Mansion House, Dublin, yesterday. Photographer: Dara MacDónaill

A 90-YEAR-OLD saxophone player, a Special Olympics football coach and a migrant rights activist were among a group of 20 "Super Heroes" honoured at a reception in Dublin last night.

They were selected from a pool of 350 volunteers who were also recognised at the Unsung Hero Awards. The awards recognise people who dedicate their time to community initiatives, which help to make life in Dublin better.

Nominations for the awards, an initiative of Dublin City Council, were invited earlier this year for people of all ages who give their time to benefiting others.

"Unsung Heroes are those who contribute formally through voluntary organisations in their community, or those who contribute informally through simply being a good neighbour or friend to someone needing a helping hand, or a listening ear," a spokeswoman for the council said.

The awards were presented at the Mansion House by Lord Mayor of Dublin Eibhlin Byrne.

She said the Unsung Heroes have one thing in common - they have put others first. "They make a hugely important contribution to the life of this city and its communities. We often hear that in today's society people aren't as community minded as they were in the past, but the Unsung Heroes have set a wonderful example and shown us what is possible. With citizens like our Unsung Heroes, Dublin's future is bright."

A group of 20 "Super Heroes" were selected from the 350 Unsung Heroes by a committee which included the council's community development officer, a representative of An Garda Síochána and two members of the Dublin City Community Forum.

One of the "Super Heroes" was Seán McGuinness (90). He plays saxophone every Wednesday at the Friends of the Elderly Social Club in Ballymun. He was commended for refusing to accept payment even though he attracts some 100 people every week.

Ballyfermot football coach Matt Dodd was commended for his work in the community and with the Irish Special Olympics team.

Bridget Shirto, a Zimbabwe native living in the city centre, was praised for the "courage, innovation and inspiration" she has shown to Ireland's immigrant community in highlighting the plight of undocumented people living in the State.