'Shining Lights' awards nominees named

By Iveren McCallion

Volunteers who've dedicated themselves to improving their communities are to be recognised at an awards event.

The Confederation of Community Groups has announced nominations for its Shining Light Awards.

As well as community groups, individual volunteers in age categories from 16 to over 65 will be recognised for their contributions.

The winners will be announced on the June 2nd during a gala event at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry.

Nominations for the ‘Shining Light’ Community Volunteering Awards 2017 are as follows:

Category: Age 16-24
· Alaina McGuigan, Our Lady’s Grammar School
· Aoife McCloy, Down Right Brilliant
· Cailim McParland, S.P.A.C.E.
· Johnny Savage, PIPS Newry & Mourne
· Melissa Quinn, Down Right Brilliant

Category: Age 25-49
· Brian Cleland, Newry 2020
· Cathal Evans, Clanrye Group Ltd
· Dara Vowles, Lislea Community Association
· Darren Magee, Alzheimer’s Society
· Paula McGuigan Carnagat Area Community Association
· Rory Rafferty, Newry Rainbow Community
· Vessie Ivonov, Accolade Choir

Category: Age 50-64
· Ann McGivern, Newry Street Unite
· Bernadette Sands, Newry Gateway Club
· Bridie Hughes Action Mental Health
· Bronagh McVeigh, Citizens Advice Newry, Mourne & Down
· Delores Hughes, Alzheimer’s Society
· Edith Edgar, Annalong Over 60s Club
· Geraldine McCarthy, CARA Club
· Linda Farnon, Older Peoples Community Project
· Mairéad Robb, Down Right Brillant
· Margaret O’Gorman, Puzzles Playgroup
· Pádraig Lynch, Newry Rainbow Community
· Roishín Magennis, South Down Community Rescue Service
· Sean Quinn, Run For Autism

Category: Age 65+
· Alice McEvoy, SWALLOWS Women's Group
· Annie Morgan, Kilbroney Luncheon Club
· Ciaran Hanna, Alzheimer’s Society
· Elaine Cousins, Home Start Newry & Mourne
· Irene Harbinson, Southern Area Hospice
· Joey McKinley, Alzheimer’s Society
· John White, Alzheimer’s Society
· Kathleen Marmion, South Armagh Blind & Visually Impaired
· Leo Collins, Home Secured Scheme 
· Rose Cunningham, Kilbroney Luncheon Club
· Sylvia McElroy, Newry Gateway Club

Category: Youth Work
· Bluesberry
· Greater Linenhall Area Youth Group
· Magnet Centre Management Committee
· Martins Lane Youth Group
· Newry Street Unite Youth Group
· Shamrock Youth Club

Category: Older People Services
· Ballybot Seniors
· Comfort Zone
· Good Morning Service
· Mourne Home to Hospital

Category: Community Project / Service
· Barcroft Community Garden
· Derrybeg BMX Project
· Remembrance Service of Light
· Crossmaglen & District Community First Responders
· Davina’s Ark Aftercare Addiction Services
· Derrybeg Community Allotments
· Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust
· Positive Futures
· Pride in Newry Festival & Parade 
· South Down Community Rescue Service
· The Mourne Lodge

Category: Community Group / Association
· Accolade
· Ballybot Community Association
· Drumgath Ladies Group
· Eari-wig Community Festival
· Greater Linenhall Area Community Association
· Home Start Newry & Mourne
· Killowen Fundraising Group for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
· Martin’s Lane Area Community Association
· Newry Felons Association
· Newry Street Unite
· Newry 2020
· PIPS Newry & Mourne
· Polish Families Community Association