Ireland soccer star Heather Payne presents awards at Creagh Training Centre
During a recent visit home to her native Ballinasloe, Irish soccer international Heather Payne presented awards to clients at Creagh Training Centre.
The centre's annual awards event last month brought staff, management, family members and advocates together to recognise the dedication and hard work of those who took part in its various training programmes over the last year.
Heather (23), who plays her club football with Everton, presented awards recognising the participants' commitment to personal growth, and applauded the training centre for its diverse range of programmes.
Speaking about the importance of perseverance and continuous learning, the soccer star stated, "Just like in sports, success in life requires discipline, dedication, and the willingness to learn and grow".
She encouraged those at the centre to embrace the new functional fitness programmes on offer, as this is a key component to healthy lives.
Eamon Hannan, Business Manager of Galway/Roscommon Mental Health Services, was on hand to help with the presentations. He congratulated all those receiving awards and thanked Heather for taking the time to attend the awards ceremony.
There was an atmosphere of pride and accomplishment as each award was announced. Clients were recognised in categories such as social farming, food and nutrition, functional fitness, computers and literacy, along with all of the vocational skills on offer at the centre.
The centre's manager, Liz Madden, expressed gratitude to all those in attendance for their support and dedication over the past year.
She said she was proud to represent the centre and her goal as manager was to maintain the happy, positive, learning environment that prevails there each day.
"Our clients are proof that, with the right resources and support, anyone can achieve their goals," she said.
Deirdre Fahy of Social Farming Ireland was also in attendance along with host farmers Blathnaid and Niall Gallagher, who were delighted to pay tribute to all of the social farmers receiving certification on the day.