John Burns from Waterford is celebrating after being named an Inspirational Hero in the Gala Retail and Virgin Media Inspiration Awards.
The awards were established to shine a light on those individuals who make Ireland a better place with their selfless acts and inspirational deeds. In total they've been given to 26 people nationwide.
Judges said John stood out for volunteering as chairperson with Larchville Lisduggan residents association. Throughout the Pandemic, he arranged painting and cleaning of elderly people’s homes and made sure all messages and prescriptions were looked after. John also took it upon himself to raise funds for three defibrillators and the training of residents to certificate standard in their use.
John also formed a "Plant the Parish" committee, and an aged action group and involving all residents young and old.
Commenting on the quality of the entries, Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail comments:
We are proud to have been able to recognise some of these inspirational individuals. We were overwhelmed by the level of nominations we received and John along with the fellow inspirational heroes are true examples of people who are making Ireland a better place for us all.
2021 marks the third year of the Gala Retail Inspiration Awards created as a way of celebrating the selfless acts and inspirational deeds of people in Ireland who are making the country a better place.
Marian Mattimoe from Mayo was named as Overall Inspirational Person at the awards.
Gala Retail has gifted €26,000 of prizes to the winners with the 26 county winners being awarded with €1000 hotel getaways across Ireland. More here.
