Mark Rohan named as Athlone's Person of the Year

There was a large crowd in attendance at the 7th Annual Rehab Athlone People of the Year Awards in the Radisson Blu on Friday night last to see Ballinahown's Mark Rohan unveiled as the 2011 Athlone Person of the Year. There was a standing ovation for the paralympian, who has excelled in his sport of hand cycling, picking up World Championship gold medal last year. After winning the H1 Handcycling Roadrace, in Canada, Mark took home Ireland's first ever gold medal for paracycling. Receiving his award from Deputy Mayor Alan Shaw and Westmeath Independent editor Tadhg Carey, Mark told MC Marty Whelan that he was delighted to receive the award. "Thanks a million. After the company that came up here this is great," said Mark. Marty pointed out that Mark must have inspired many people and Mark responded: "I hope that for kids in the same situation they can see they can live a normal life. I'm delighted to receive it, I'm stuck for words." As well as winning the overall award on the night, Mark was one of eight award winners honoured at the gala ceremony in the Radisson last Friday night. The others were: Peter Berry for his contribution to community organisations, particularly the Credit Union and Active Age; Garrycastle GAA for its contribution to gaelic games over the last 30 years; Grace Grouden for her work with the Girl Guides; Artie Pyke for his lifelong contribution to hurling in this area; Julianne Ryan for her fundraising efforts which saw her raise over €100,000 for charity; Athlone Little Theatre for its contribution to arts and culture over the last 75 years; and Joe Ward, who became National Senior Boxing Champion, having also won two World Championship gold medals at underage level. The well attended event, which has become a staple on Athlone's social calendar over the past seven years, was organised by Rehab and sponsored by Athlone Town Council and the Westmeath Independent. Welcoming the guests to the gala ceremony, Padraic Lydon of the Rehab Group said he was delighted to see so many people from Athlone and Westmeath showing their appreciation for the awards. He said the eight award winners had made a significant contribution to life in Athlone and surrounding areas. Mr Lydon said the event helped provide much needed funds for Rehab services. He thanked the businesses that provided sponsorship and the people who bought tickets for the event. He thanked Sheila Buckley Byrne and her team for organising the event. "Athlone Town Council and the Westmeath Independent are also vital cogs in the wheel, as are the eight main sponsors who are here to present awards tonight," said Mr Lydon. He also thanked the associate sponsors, saying: "They are all valuable cogs in the wheel, but we need all cogs to spin the wheel and most important cog is the winners, without whom there would be no need to spin the wheel." Deputy Mayor Alan Shaw said: "All of the award winners are motivated by concern for others and the achievement of high standards and this is reflected in the unselfish time and work that they commit to their causes. They are the unsung heroes of our community who go about doing their good deeds in a quiet and unassuming way and do not seek the limelight for themselves, yet their success reflects a caring community and an ability to succeed even against adversity." "The standards set by the previous years' winners has been truly maintained again this year and I congratulate all the 2011 winners and thank them for the contribution that they have made to this society and for the difference they have made to the lives of our people," he said. Editor of the Westmeath Independent Tadhg Carey said the Westmeath Independent was once again delighted to act as media sponsor for these awards. "This year, 2011, is the European year of the volunteer, so I believe it's particularly fitting that we are all here tonight to honour our eight prizewinners," he said. He said it was impossible to measure the impact of volunteers, of people who work in our community. "It's this sense of selfless giving that characterises all of our winners this year, and every other year. And that's why the Westmeath Independent is each year, happy to put our money where our mouth is and sponsor these awards. Real local newspapers, like the Westmeath Independent are more than simply a business - they are part of the community." He thanked Rehab Group and Athlone Town Council and the other sponsors who made the event possible. When the awards concluded people danced the night away to music provided by Keith McDonald and his band.