Embargoed until 11pm on Wednesday, 2nd December 2015
Photo caption: Matt Cullen, volunteer with Swords Tidy Towns, who last night took home the Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year Award at the Volunteer Ireland Awards at Dublin City Hall.
Other photos available on request
Dublin Man Named Volunteer of the Year 2015
Wednesday, 2nd December 2015: Swords man Matt Cullen has been named Volunteer of the Year at the Volunteer Ireland Awards for his dedication to Swords Tidy Towns.
Ten years ago, he joined Swords Tidy Towns where he has been instrumental to the success of the group. Matt prides himself on being inclusive and encourages people from every age and background to get involved in the group. Matt’s contribution has been invaluable to projects such as the revamp of the local Garda Station, the rejuvenation of the Swords Well and the development of a polytunnel project for young people with Youthreach.
A father of two originally from The Liberties, Matt has been volunteering for almost 40 years. When he moved into his first home in Finglas with wife Theresa, he knocked on every single door in the estate – over 200 – to begin his first residency committee.
Five years ago, Matt was diagnosed with the incurable condition Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a condition that causes scarring of the lungs. However, not only has this failed to dampen his volunteering spirit, he now also gives his time to the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA). Matt is a keen artist and this year he held the first solo exhibition of his artwork with the proceeds going to ILFA. He also spoke at the European Respiratory Society International Congress on behalf of ILFA this year.
Matt was nominated for the Award by Niamh Treacy, Secretary of Swords Tidy Towns, who said “No matter how painstaking the task or how many times graffiti has been washed off the wall, Matt is always positive. He is always ready with a smile and a joke, encouraging new members and old, making difficult jobs easier and tedious jobs fun. His positive attitude and example keeps us moving forward in our goals for the town. He is the smiling embodiment of what a citizen should be.”
10 category awardees were also announced on the night ranging from a mother and daughter duo in Cork, a Connacht Rugby player and an Antrim woman who drives the length and breadth of the country helping seals in need.
Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Volunteer Ireland CEO Nina Arwitz said “I am delighted to congratulate all the award recipients and the 31 shortlisted volunteers. Volunteer Ireland received hundreds of nominations for this year’s Awards and I want to thank each and every volunteer nominated this year for taking the time to make a difference in their community. Our nominees cover a range of ages, abilities and backgrounds, which just goes to show that anyone can volunteer and make a real impact.”
Further information: Amy Woods, Volunteer Ireland: (01) 636 9446 / 085 717 9261
Notes to Editors:
About the Volunteer Ireland Awards
The Volunteer Ireland Awards are the national campaign to recognise Ireland’s volunteers supported by the network of Volunteer Centres and Volunteering Information Services. 31 shortlisted volunteers and their friends and family attended the gala Volunteer Ireland Awards ceremony on December 2nd in Dublin City Hall. 10 category awardees were announced at the event.
One exceptional volunteer, Matt Cullen, was the recipient of the Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year Award. The award is named in memory of the late Christine Buckley - campaigner, activist and Co-Founder of The Aislinn Education and Support Centre. Christine was Volunteer of the Year in 2009.
Volunteer Ireland Awardees 2015
Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year Award
Matt Cullen for his work with Swords Tidy Towns over the last ten years. Despite facing a serious medical condition, he continues to be influential to the work of the group with his fellow volunteers highlighting his positive attitude as vital to their work.
Animals & Environment
Mel Robinson for giving her time for Seal Rescue Ireland. Although Mel lives three and a half hours away from the centre, she not only travels to the centre but all over the country rescuing seals in need.
Arts, Culture & Media
Ronan Loughney for his work with Blue Teapot Theatre Company. Ronan heads up the Bright Soul programme which is a creative outlet for adults with moderate intellectual disabilities. Despite his travel and injuries as a Connacht Rugby player, Ronan rarely misses a workshop.
Campaigning & Awareness Raising
Patricia Larkin and Eimear Tynan, a mother and daughter duo, for their work with Breakthrough Cancer Research. Both Patricia and Eimear have organised a host of fundraising events and have so far raised €1 million.
Children & Youth
David Murtagh who went from attending the Brú Youth Service to becoming a vital volunteer. David now organises a Monday night club for the group and also sits on the Board of Directors.
Community
Mike Mulholland who patrols the bridges of Limerick with Corbett Suicide Prevention Control to help anyone that may be in danger of taking their own life.
Education & Training
Amr Dawood for his work with Enactus in Trinity College Dublin where he set up the first Innovation Incubator Workshops. He also founded his own charity, Change for Change.
Health & Disability
Barry Foley for his dedication to Ability West where he works on fitness and exercise with adults who have intellectual disabilities. Barry worked with one man in particular, moving him into his home to help him build his skills in independent living.
International Development
Ann Coleman for her work with children in Vesnova through Chernobyl Children International. Known by the children as ‘Mama Ann’, she fights for their right to live independently and be integrated into the local community.
Social Work
Hilary Sharpe who founded the entirely volunteer-run Arklow Community Resource Centre. Hilary looks after eveything at the centre and even delivers food to local families four nights a week – sometimes thirty families a night.
Sports & Recreation
Paul Garrigan who has changed the face of ladies’ GAA at Baltinglass Ladies GFC. Paul formed an U14 ladies’ team, the first juvenile female team for Baltinglass GAA. In just three years, they won a treble with victories for the U12, U14 and U16.
For more information on the Volunteer Ireland Awards 2015 or to read the inspiring stories of the nominees and winners, visit www.volunteer.ie
