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Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher presents Maritime Person of the Year Awards
2006
Donegal Minister, Pat the Cope Gallagher was in Galway last night (Saturday,
18th February 2006) where he presented the National Maritime Awards at the SAS
Radisson Hotel. Minister Gallagher said: "As a Minister who has
responsibility for maritime
affairs and indeed as a Donegal man, I am all too aware of what the RNLI service
can mean to people who use our waters for pleasure or business. I am
delighted to offer my support to a cause such as this, that results in saving
lives."
One of the main features of the evening's event was the announcement of the
National Maritime Person of the Year, known as the Capt. Frank W. Sheridan
Memorial Award. It is made on an annual basis to a person who has made a
significant contribution to Maritime in Ireland.
Capt. Frank W. Sheridan (1937 - 2002) began his maritime career in the merchant
navy and was apprenticed to the BP Tanker Company where he remained until he
attained his Master Mariner qualification. He came ashore in 1979
as Harbour Master in Galway and was instrumental in setting up the Galway
Lifeboat after many years co-ordinating the fundraising activities in Galway and
became a co founder of the Galway Lifeboat and station, which opened in
1996. Following his untimely death in 2002 the National Maritime
Person of the Year Award was named in his honour to acknowledge his significant
leadership and commitment to the RNLI and to the foundation of the Galway
Lifeboat.
The nominees for this award were nominated from a wide range of water-oriented
categories, including skipper, crew, marine safety,
water-based sports, and sailing as well as from shore-based categories
e.g.business person, manager or public official.
A nationwide nomination process was embarked upon and a shortlist of 3 nominees
was selected. They were Jarlath Cunnane, from Castlebar, County Mayo,
Eamon Conneely, from Galway and Michael Guilfoyle from Dublin. These
three men span a number of sectors including sailing, entrepreneuship, adventure
and public service.
Minister Gallagher announced that the overall Maritime Person of the Year for
2006 is Jarlath Cunnane. Mr Cunnane was presented with a Mike
Weerakoon piece of bog oak sculpted with a marine theme. Mr Conneely
and Mr Guilfoyle each received a presentation in recognition of their
outstanding achievements.
ENDS
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