The driving force behind the National Ploughing Championship since 1973, Anna May McHugh was presented with the Irish Security Industry Association (ISIA) Premier Award at their annual awards ceremony, which was held in Dublin last week.
Speaking after the event, Alan Jordan, President of the ISIA said, “Anna May McHugh is one of the nations heroes. She organises the biggest, best and most diversified event in Ireland every year and adds real value and excitement to people’s lives, a
ll around the country. She is a most deserving winner of our Premier Award”.
Previous winner of the ISIA Premier Award include John Hume and Bertie Ahern. Over 140 guests attended the event to recognise the worthy winners.
It was a double victory for Laois, as Portarlington's, Marie Corcoran was awarded the ISIA Community Person of the Year.
Marie was nominated for the awards as she gives of her free time to a range of local voluntary organisations such as: The Special Olympics, Mental Health Association, Wheelchair Association, Senior Citizens, Travelling Community, Lourdes Invalid Committee and the Local Teen Helpline.
One of Marie’s many nominators said, “She has an innate empathy, caring and concern for people, especially those with physical, psychiatric and social needs. I have never heard her complain about anything thrown at her in her own life”.
The local community held a surprise party in the rugby club when Marie returned with her award.
"We had a great day and night," Marie said, "It was a lovely surprise to see so many friends there, I was completely overwhelmed."
"I didn't know anything about the party, but it was a great night."
"I even sang 'Lovely Laois," she laughs. Speaking from the charity shop in Portarlington, where she volunteers, Maire said she accepted the award on behalf of all the people on the various committees she serves on.
"There's a great community spirit in Portarlington. All the committees are a real team effort, I couldn't do anything on my own."
