THE OFFALY Association in Dublin is to honour Taoiseach Brian Cowen with a special lifetime achievement award. A native of Clara, Mr Cowen lives in Tullamore and represents the Laois-Offaly constituency.
His award follows his election last year as the first Offaly-born taoiseach. The association made him Offaly person of the year in 1992, when he became the first native of the county to be appointed to the cabinet.
Mr Cowen said yesterday that he was both delighted and humbled to receive the lifetime achievement award.
“Virtually all my adult life has been devoted to public service and to representing my county and constituency,” he said. “To have my contribution recognised in such a way is a great honour for me, and I am very grateful.”
An association spokesperson said that having already presented the Taoiseach with the person of the year award, it was felt that it should recognise, in some way, the pride he had brought to the county in being elected to such a high office.
There was also his outstanding career in public service for a quarter-century before that.
“As the country continues to endure a difficult period economically, the association’s confidence in the Taoiseach to lead us through these times successfully remains steadfast,” the spokesperson added.
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