A great event took place in the Iontas Theatre, Castleblayney on Sunday 6th November 2022 with the presentation of the Monaghan Integrated Development Volunteer of the Year Awards 2022. These awards recognise and celebrate the efforts and achievements of volunteers and voluntary organisations across County Monaghan. There were 3 categories – Volunteer of the Year which recognises the voluntary work of an individual of any age during the course of 2022; Volunteer Group of the Year which recognises the achievement of a non-profit group in attracting and retaining a wide range of volunteers and their work for the benefit of others during 2022; and Lifetime Achievement Award which recognises the voluntary work of an individual over an extended period of time. Christina Weldon was awarded Volunteer of the Year for her volunteering with Latton GAA. The Volunteer Group of the year was won by PeaceLink Clones Erne East. The final category for Lifetime Volunteer of the Year again had a number of nominations including Marie Caulfield, Sean Morgan, Jimmy Connolly, and Mackie and Pauline Rooney for their work with Scotstown Tidy Towns; David Maggs from Carrickmacross Festival and Cancer Society; Geraldie O’Connor from Killeevan Heritage, Clones ICA, and St Mary’s Ture choir (among others); Joe Connolly from Monaghan Tidy Towns; Olwyn Williamson for her lifetime volunteering with Ballybay Girl Guides, Marie McQuillan from Tydavnet for her volunteering with Tydavnet Community Centre, Tydavnet Show, Tydavnet Festival, Cornagilta School Heritage Centre, and Tydavnet parish (among others), and Ronan Callan for his volunteering work with Monaghan United FC. The Tydavnet Community was delighted when Marie won the Lifetime Achievement Award – there’s very few people give so much time to community – and the citations paid tribute to her community spirit which makes each organisation a lot better. Marie has such a positive “can do” attitude to all tasks, and regardless of the problem she’ll always find a solution. In fact one nomination said “Every community should have a Marie” – and we are all delighted she’s one of us! Well done Marie, and “Thank you” from all our community groups that you enhance with your volunteering and community spirit.
