20 August 1997
Norma Smurfit, founder and director of First Step, an organisation which helps young people start their own businesses, will be guest of honour at the Mayo Persons of the Year function planned for Pontoon Bridge Hotel in September.
This was announced by Bríd O'Connell, chairperson of the organising committee, at a press conference in Willie Joe Padden's Lounge, Castlebar, on Wednesday night.
Ms O'Connell said the function would bring together many of Mayo's most distinguished people over the past thirty years. All monies raised through the venture would go to Rehab which was doing splendid work in providing facilities for the handicapped. She paid tribute to the commitment and dedication of Kevin Bourke, Rehab organiser and current Mayo Person of the Year.
"Kevin has given oustanding service over the years in raising funds and helping to provide services for the handicapped. His selection as Mayo Person of the Year was just reward for all his efforts," said Ms O'Connell.
She paid tribute to Paddy Sweeney, proprietor of Mother Hubbard's, main sponsor for the function, and also thanked John Healy, former proprietor of Mother Hubbard's, for his great support for Rehab over the years. She was delighted to see him at the press conference. She also welcomed Johnny Mee, 'a very old friend of Rehab.'
Ms O'Connell said Rehab had received great support from the people of Mayo over the years and they were very grateful for this. It was appropriate, said Ms O'Connell, that the press conference was being held in Willie Joe Padden's as Willie Joe was a former Mayo Person of the Year.
Mr. Pat Kilbane, chairman of Mayo County Council, said the work of Rehab was recognised nationwide. He was aware of the facilities that were provided in Mayo by the organisation and which were much appreciated by the people of the county. He could assure the group Mayo County Council would help Rehab in every way possible.
"I am especially pleased to pay tribute to Kevin Bourke, a man who has been synonymous with Rehab over the years," said Mr. Kilbane.
Mr. Kevin Bourke thanked the people of Mayo for their great support over the years. Without this support it would not have been possible to provide the services which were vital to the progress and welfare of the handicapped of the county.
"The coming together of former Mayo Persons of the Year would be a unique and memorable occasion," said Mr. Bourke.
Mr. Blackie Gavin, chairman of Castlebar Urban Council, said Rehab were doing excellent work and he was sure the Mayo Persons of the Year reunion would be a great success.
Ms Bríd O'Connell thanked Willie Joe Padden and staff for their help and co-operation in arranging the press conference and providing the catering.
