Dog charity lifesaver in Laois in line for national volunteering award

The backbone of the Cullohill-based charity that rescues Husky dogs has been shortlisted for one of the big prizes at that Volunteer Ireland Awards.

That's according to the Laois Volunteer Centre which is delighted to announce the shortlist for the 16th annual Volunteer Ireland Awards. It says those shortlisted will be honoured at the national awards ceremony in Limerick in December, which celebrates the commitment and dedication of volunteers across Ireland. 

Andy Cullen from Husky Rescue Ireland has been shortlisted in the Environment and Animal Care category.  Laois Volunteer Centre say he has been been the backbone of Husky Rescue Ireland ever since founding it nine years ago.

They say HRI works hard to help huskies and akitas in Ireland by re-homing dogs who might be unwanted or uncared for, providing medical care like neutering or vaccinations, providing care for the dogs through grooming and play, and also educating the public about how to best love their furry friends. They also do advocacy work so our laws value huskies and Akitas.  

His nominator outlined why he should be recognised on a national stage.

“Andy has saved hundreds of dogs, if not more, from the pounds, as strays, and taken in the most horrendously neglected dogs to care for them. Without the help of Andy, a lot of huskies and Akitas would no longer be here,” wrote the nominator.  

Recently, at the height of the war in Ukraine, Andy travelled there to help get Ukrainian dogs to safety. He personally transported dogs to Poland, and his experience with animals saved the lives of many high-risk animals including sick and pregnant dogs. HRI also organized donations so that two full vans of animal care supplies were made available to Ukrainian refugees who brought their dogs with them when they left. In Ireland, weather, travel time and inconvenience won’t stop Andy from rescuing a husky or Akita, but now we know even war won’t stop his determined care.

Laois Volunteer Centre Manager Caitriona Ryan commented on the shortlist.

“I never cease to be amazed by the passion and dedication of volunteers across Ireland. The impact they have on our communities is incalculable, whether it’s bringing joy to the elderly through song, creating community gardens or supporting children who are sick in hospital. The 35 nominees on the shortlist are just a snapshot of the wide breadth and diversity of volunteering that happens every day. These awards give us an opportunity to recognise the passion and dedication of people like Andy who give so much to others. I’d like to congratulate Andy and all of this year’s nominees.”

With 35 nominees across 12 categories, the shortlist includes volunteers aged 15 right up to 80 and showcases the remarkable impact of volunteering across all sections of society. Representing 11 counties, the work done by nominees encompasses everything from animal rescue to mental health support and showcases the key role played by volunteers in supporting our communities.

The 2023 Volunteer Ireland Awards are made possible thanks to  sponsor, leading biotech company Regeneron, support from the Department of Rural and Community Development, and award partner Healthy Ireland.

Niall O’Leary, Senior Vice President and Site Head, Limerick said “At Regeneron we are committed to ‘doing well by doing good’. As a company with a strong culture of volunteerism, and giving back to our local communities, we are honoured to support and celebrate the many people across this country who exhibit incredible compassion and selflessness, carrying out acts of kindness that often go unrecognised.”

As Minister of State for Community Development and Charities, Mr. Joe O’ Brien TD said: “The challenges to the sector over the last number of years have shown just how resilient our volunteers are. Without their selfless contribution of time and energy, much of the good work we take for granted in our society would not happen. I am delighted that, through my Department’s Scheme to Support and Strengthen Volunteering, I am able to support the Volunteer Ireland Awards. I would like to congratulate each and every nominee who has been put forward for the awards. And to those nominees who have made the shortlist, I would like to commend you on your achievements and wish you all the very best of luck.”

Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton T.D., said: “The contribution made by volunteers across Ireland is invaluable and these annual awards are a great way of paying tribute to the commitment and dedication of so many people who give freely of their skills, talents and hard work. We are very happy for Healthy Ireland to have the opportunity to be associated with the people whose work is contributing so much to the health of their communities.” 

The 16th annual Volunteer Ireland Awards take place on Saturday 2nd December in Limerick Racecourse, Co Limerick. Shortlisted nominees will be presented with their certificates before Volunteer Ireland will announce the winners in each category and name Ireland’s Volunteer of the Year for 2023. 

You can see the full shortlist below and read more about each nominee on our website here: www.volunteer.ie/shortlist

The following is the full Volunteer Ireland Awards Shortlist 2023
Arts, Culture & Festival

Michael Butler, Louth Volunteer Centre, Louth
Freda Carville and Colleen Hardy, Artisans Dundalk, Louth
Rhys Wallace, Spraoi Street Arts Festival Waterford & Winterval, Waterford

Campaigning & Activism

Aisling Byrne and Margaret Fox Lennon, DCA Warriors Online Support Group, Dublin
Christine O’Mahony, Mullingar 4 All, Amnesty International, Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, ESN Ireland, Westmeath Winter Pride, and Queer Library Alliance, Westmeath
Dave Thomas, Wicklow Pride Festival, Arklow LGBTQ+ Social Drop in Group, and The APIC Centre, Wicklow

Children & Youth 

Sarah Ann Buday, Young Carers Ireland, Galway
Mary McDaid, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, Dublin
Dermot Moore, Scouting Ireland and Community First Responders, Wicklow

Environment & Animal Care

Andy Cullen, Husky Rescue Ireland, Laois
Dónal McCormack, Community Gardens Ireland, Blessington Allotments Campaign, and Blessington & District Forum, Wicklow
Stephen Shanahan, Connecting Cabra, Dublin

Health & Wellbeing 

Edward Devery, Athlone Community Radio, Westmeath
Diarmuid Gallagher, spunout - Ireland’s youth information and support platform, Dublin
Christy Gorman, Friends of the Elderly, Dublin

Safety & Emergency Services

Gary Coffey, Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, Kerry
Gary Hayes, Dun Laoghaire RNLI (lifeboat) and Dalkey Community First Responders, Dublin

Social Inclusion & Community Support 

Brian Fagan, Brian's Treasure Chest, Midland Simon, GOAL, and Concern, Westmeath
Jude Mapp, ALONE, Dublin
John O’Sullivan, A District Senior Citizens Holiday Programme, Dublin

Sports & Recreation 

Chloe Farrell, Special Olympics Ireland (Team Ireland) and Special Olympics Eastern Region (Swords Basketball Club), Dublin
Tara McLaughlin, Special Olympics Connaught, Sligo
Peggie O’Neill, Riding for the Disabled Ireland, Dublin

Volunteer Manager 

Allen Bobinac, Tiglin – The Lighthouse, Dublin
Barbara Kilbride, St Francis Hospice, Dublin
Elizabeth Morrin, Children in Hospital Ireland, Dublin

Small Group

1-to-1 Child and Family Support Volunteers in Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Children in Hospital Ireland, Dublin
Kindness Krew Homeless Group, Cork
The Psychological Supporter Team, Galway Rape Crisis Centre, Galway

Medium Group

Irish Red Cross Portlaw Branch, Irish Red Cross, Waterford
SignaCare Killerig Residents, Carlow
Thrive Balbriggan, Dublin

Large Group 

Jigsaw Youth Advocates, Jigsaw youth mental health charity, Nationwide
Victim Support at Court Volunteers, V-SAC, Dublin
In-Patient Unit Hospitality Volunteers, St Francis Hospice, Dublin

For more on the Laois Volunteer Centre check out www.volunteerlaois.ie