Cowen Feted At Offaly Association In London Dinner Dance
Thursday, 29 December 2011
BRIAN Cowen's long service to Ireland and his native Offaly was appropriately recognised when he was honoured as the person of the year by the Offaly Association in London recently.
The former Taoiseach, the only Offaly person to hold the highest office in the land, was given a standing ovation by the large attendance in the Crown Moran Hotel in Cricklewood as he was presented with his award by association chairman, Kevin Kelly.
Cowen, who stepped down as a Fianna Fail TD for Laois/Offaly prior to the last General Election, was praised for his long and distinguished service as a politician in a career that saw him hold several high profile ministerial offices before becoming Taoiseach in April 2008.
In particular, he was acknowledged for the trojan work he did for his native county and speakers referred to the massive developments that took place in Tullamore and the wider county during his long tenure in office.
The evening also saw special presentations being made to: Tommy Harrell, chairman of the London GAA County Board; Pat Teehan, chairman of the Offaly GAA County Board; Willie Bryan, former Offaly footballer and All-Ireland winning captain; Conor Lowry, Eoghan Lowry, Joe Maher and Brian Grehan, members of the Gallen Community School, Ferbane team that won the All-Ireland Vocational Schools Senior Football Championship earlier this year; Danny Owens, chairman of Offaly County Council; Kevin Corrigan, sports editor of the Tullamore and Midland Tribune; Mick Lowry, an All-Ireland senior football medal winner in 1982; and John and Marie Maher, publicans in London and sponsors of the Association..
The guests were formerly welcomed by Association officers, Donie Doolan, Kieran Sullivan and Dermot O'Brien while Kevin Kelly launched their new website and paid tribute to the many people who have worked to retain their Offaly links with home in London.
Mr Kelly was warm in his praise of Brian Cowen and he also thanked all the other invited guests who attended.
Brian Cowen said he was delighted to accept the award and he described the dance as a 'wonderful occasion'.
In particular, Mr Cowen referred to the Association's links with Offaly GAA teams and he stated that it is very important for people to support the football and hurling teams.
Mr Cowen referred to the importance of retaining contact with emigrants abroad and he said it was a great privilege to lead the country. Mr Cowen noted that they had to make difficult decisions during his spell as Taoiseach and he wished the current Government the best of luck as they continued this work.
Cllr Danny Owens described the Association as a vital meeting point for exiles and he praised them for their work.
Willie Bryan thanked the Association for making a presentation to him and he described them as a wonderful group of people.
Subscribe to read full newspaper »
Send to a friend
Please complete the following form to inform a friend about this page.
