The Laois Association Dublin Lifetime Achievement Award has only been presented to 4 Laois-born recipients since its introduction in 2014.
The citation on the unique Dublin Crystal Award reads –
“The Award recognises the contribution of Laois persons in their field of activity to the development of people nationally and/or internationally”.
2014: Liam Ó Néill, GAA President [2012-2015] was the only Laois-born person to hold that position to date!
2017: The Association was pleased to host Charlie Flanagan, TD. (then Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and later Minister for Justice and Equality) in April, and to present him with the Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Flanagan in recognition of his distinguished contribution to Irish life, and his personal support for the Association.
The presentation was made by our President (and fellow Mountmellick man) Sandy
Metcalfe, and Chairman, Gerry Thompson. The Minister was clearly delighted to receive the Award and expressed his appreciation in an informal and most enjoyable address recalling his childhood in Mountmellick, growing up in a household as son of Oliver J. Flanagan, TD and his own life experiences as a TD and Government Minister.
2019: Celebrations for members in April 2019 included a presentation of the Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award to founding members Bridie & Colm Healion at a celebratory lunch. The award was in recognition of, and grateful appreciation of, their exceptional life-long service to the Association and it was presented by our President Sandy Metcalfe, and Chairman, Gerry Thompson accompanied by Minister Charlie Flannagan TD and John King, Cathaoirleach, Laois County Council.
2024: Senator David Norris, Politician, Activist & Scholar, and longstanding member of the Laois Association, Dublin.
