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Longford man wins Inspirational Life Award

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Date published: 
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
News source: 
Longford Leader
Region: 
Republic of Ireland
Featured item on home page: 
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A Longford man has won a prestigious All Ireland Inspirational Life Award. Ardagh man Pat Kelleher was nominated for the award for 'a man or woman who has provided inspirationsal leadership in engaging older people in leading active and fulfilling lives' by the Employment Development & Information (EDI) Centre, Longford on behalf of members of the North Longford Men's Group.
 
He set up the men's group in 2004 after initiating research into the needs of older people in rural areas of Co Longford and discovering that men and women were experiencing loneliness, isolation, exclusion and marginalisation in some areas in North Longford.

According to the members of the group they nominated Pat for the award because of: "his unending quest to help strengthen rural communities and to brighten the future for many older people. Pat welcomes and supports ageing in a very positive manner at grass roots level. He gives endless hours of his time to many local voluntary committees especially those working to help older people."
 
 
Photo:Jason Clarke

The North Longford Men's group is now in its sixth year and the success of the group has been replicated in other parts of Ireland. Those who nominated Pat also said he: "is involved in a very hands-on way writing funding applications and arranging theatre visits and social events and he also encourages other statutory and voluntary agencies to support the group. He employs facilitator's to inform and discuss issues such as depression, alcoholism, men's cancers, food and nutrition etc.

"He also contracted an experienced psychotherapist to facilitate a number of sessions with the men in order to help them develop their self-esteem and to have the ability to speak in group settings and to feel a sense of worth in their local community. With his involvement with the men and women's groups he influences these groups to reach a common goal in making their communities a place where ageing is a positive experience."

Pat was awarded the All Ireland Inspirational Life Award by Sir George Quigley, the Chairman of the Bombardier Aerospace at a special event held in the Irish Times House in Dublin last Friday.

Speaking to the Leader this week he expressed his surprise and humble nature by saying: "I was very much surprised to have won the award. I knew I was nominated but I thought that's all it would be. This award is great in that it recognises the North Longford Men's Group as well as myself. Men's groups are often below the radar so I'm glad for them to get this attention. I'm still involved in the club and we're heading off to Co Clare for a two day outing this week."

Although Pat retired from his job three years ago he is still involved in the Centre for Independent Living in Longford, the Founder Member and Chairperson of the Gaelscoil Longfoirt, the Chairperson of Longford Warmer Homes, the Treasurer of Ardagh Community Centre and part of the Management Committee of the EDI Centre in Longford.

In his own words, "I'm still involved with these groups because of the satisfaction I get from the work. I'm still really enjoying it."

 

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