CENTENARIAN MARY ELLEN WINS STANDING OVATION. . .



Connaught Telegraph 20 November 1996


Unheralded arrival stole hearts at awards extravaganza

By
Tom Kelly

An unheralded arrival stole the show at the fourth annual Mayo People of the Year Awards on Friday in the Welcome Inn Hotel's Failte Suite.

Charismatic centenarian Mary Ellen McGuinn received a standing ovation when she stepped onto centre stage to pay a handsome tribute to one of the recipients, Mayo G.A.A. team manager John Maughan.

The 103-years old Curry woman developed an instant rapport with Maughan when they first met at the Rehab Foundation's peace link at Croagh Patrick earlier this year. She promised to pray for his team throughout the championship campaign and wrote a letter of best-wishes to John before every match.

Mary Ellen was Mayo team's good look charm that nobody knew about and she was proud of their achievements. She described Maughan as a man of great integrity and vision' and believed it was only a matter of time before he achieved his goal of All-Ireland senior football championship success.

Mary Ellen has her own family connection with the team. Kevin Cahill, the side's talented full-back, is a distant relative.

John Maughan, the most articulate of football managers, was clearly caught for words by Mary Ellen's touching tribute. "I thank you so much. You have certainly made my evening," he said.

Maughan was one of nine Mayo people honoured for their outstanding contributions to the community over the past year.

In an awards scheme jointly sponsored and organised by the Connaught Telegraph, Allied Irish Banks and the Mayo Rehab Foundation, there was a poignant opening to the ceremonies.

The late P.J. Hennelly, who gave a lifetime of dedicated service to numerous voluntary organisations in Castlebar and his native Manulla before his death last August, was posthumously honoured.

His son, John, accepted the beautiful Skellig Crystal award from Frank Greene, manager of A.I.B., Castlebar, who was a close friend of P.J. through their work with the local Chamber of Commerce. He described P.J. as an exceptional person' who gave of his tremendous enthusiasm to many causes in the county.

P.J.'s wife, Peggy, and daughter, Regina, were also in attendance at the banquet. Pat Cafferkey, on behalf of Erris Tourism, was presented with his award by Liam Ruane, Rehab Foundations.

Mr. Cafferkey said the greatest achievement by Erris Tourism was the completion of the Carne Golf Club development which was one of the finest of its type in Europe and was estimated in the region of £2m.

"The project came a long way since the six founder members donated £5 each out of their own pockets. We have had our share of foggy, boggy knockers over the years. But few would have believed that a world wide attraction could be provided on the site where the golf course stands."

FRIGHTENING STATISTIC

Brenda McNicholas, the Kiltimagh woman who founded and fostered the Community Under Threat' initiative, received her presentation from Dr. John Connolly, managing director, Connaught Telegraph.

Dr. Connolly observed how the entire community of Mayo was under threat due to the significant fall in the county's population over the years.

"It was a frightening statistic to learn recently that there were actually more Mayo people living in Chicago than anywhere else.

"We are very proud, however, of our emigrants. They have been great ambassadors. As a proprietor of one of the few remaining family-run newspapers in Europe, it is important that we play our role in keeping contact with those who leave Mayo to work abroad."

In her acceptance speech, Brenda McNicholas stated the C.U.T. initiative was paying dividends. In Kiltimagh, the level of community support for local shops and industries had increased by 34% over the last four years.

Sister Ailbe Coyne, Convent of Mercy, Claremorris, was presented with her award by Peter Glynn, manager, A.I.B., Claremorris.

Sr. Ailbe, whose battle with cancer has been an inspiration to others afflicted with the disease, had reason to celebrate on the double after reaching her 50th year in the Mercy Order.

A founder member of the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation, she has brought bright new light into the lives of cancer sufferers throughout the region.

Ballyglass man P.J. Murphy, a leading figure behind the Mayo Mental Health Association, spoke of the achievements of the organisation after receiving his award from James O'Malley, a member of Mayo Rehab Foundation.

Said P.J.: "The signs of increased public awareness of mental illness are there. But there is a long way to go before we achieve our goals."

FELLOW SUFFERERS

Mary Healy, Swinford, paid a glowing tribute to the Rehab Foundation when she was presented with her award by Pat Brady, manager, A.I.B., Swinford.

Mary, who is actively involved in a campaign with fellow arthritis sufferers to have a rheumatologist appointed to Mayo General Hospital, said she had long admired the work of Rehab. Regarding her own campaign, she stated: "We have explored every avenue and knocked on every door. We must not become complacent until our objective is achieved."

She hoped her award, which she dedicated to her husband, Howard and family, would be an inspiration to other arthritis sufferers to develop a positive approach to life.

Mayo senior football team manager John Maughan and Noel Connelly, the team captain, were lauded for their achievement in bringing Mayo out of the doldrums of Division Three football to within an ace of the biggest prize in the game.

They received a joint award which was presented by John Melvin, sports editor, Connaught Telegraph. Maughan described the championship year as an uplifting personal experience' despite the sadness of not achieving their goal by the narrowest of margins.

Connelly said the team was determined to bounce back and he thanked everybody for their encouragement.

There were two Overseas People of the Year Awards'. Brother Joseph McNally, Singapore, intrigued the attendance of 350 with a passionate address which reflected his deep sense of pride in his Mayo roots. A native of Ballintubber, Bro. McNally was honoured for his notable contribution to the educational and artistic life of Singapore through his missionary work.

He spoke colourfully of Mayo people being as good as any comparable population anywhere in the world and how they had a strong appreciation for their culture. Br. McNally was presented with his award by Bernard Hughes, advertising executive, Connaught Telegraph.

MENTAL DISABILITIES

Sister Rosemary Connelly, a member of the Religious Sisters of Mary, received an award in recognition of her exceptional work for children with mental disabilities in Chicago.

Sr. Connelly, whose parents hailed from Mayo, is no stranger to deserved plaudits and had a street named after her in Chicago last year.

She accepted her award from Mary Murphy, chairperson, Mayo Rehab Foundation.

Mary took the opportunity to paying tribute to the award winners and thanking the sponsors, namely Connaught Telegraph; A.I.B.; Mother Hubbards Restaurant; C.B.E. Limited, Claremorris; Martin Moran Contractor, Castlebar; Doherty's Pharmacy, Westport ; Corduff Travel, Rossport, Ballina; Connaught Scaffolding, Ballyhaunis; McGrath Waste Disposal, Turlough; McNicholas Insurance and Travel, Kiltimagh and Swinford; Super Valu, Castlebar and Westport; and Flannelly Insurance and Auctioneers, Castlebar.

She thanked the members of the organising committee, consisting of Tom Gillespie, chairman, Kevin Bourke, secretary, Liz Browne and Pat Morley (joint treasurers) and Stephen Connolly.

The members of the sub-committee were Eileen Gavin, Paddy Cannon, John Deacy, Mary Connolly, James O'Malley, Kay Sweeney, Nora Corrigan and Liam Ruane.

At the beginning of the proceeds, Tom Gillespie paid tribute to Mr. Brian Clack, Leader of Coventry City Council, who died just a few hours before he was due to fly to Castlebar for the Mayo People of the Year Awards ceremony.

Mr. Gillespie introduced the guest of honour, Mrs. Marion Arnott-Job, Lord Mayor of Birmingham.

During the course of her address, she extended a formal welcome to Mayo County Council to visit Birmingham next year. Mayo County Council was represented at the function by Pat McHugh, chairman, and Des Mahon, county manager.

Eoin Garavan, chairman, represented Castlebar Urban Council. All the proceeds from the banquet will go towards meeting the running costs of the Rehab Workshop in Castlebar where over sixty disabled workers are employed.



Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - November 1996