A host of former winners were out in force this week to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the People of the Year Awards and to give their support to the 2014 Awards. Former winners Michael Ó Muircheartaigh, Mark Pollock, Christina Noble and Jane McKenna were joined by People of the Year Awards ambassador and actress Aoibhín Garrihy in Dublin to blow out the candles for the celebrations and officially open the nominations campaign for the 2014 awards.
Originating in 1975, the People of the Year Awards are Ireland’s answer to an honours system and provide a unique opportunity for the Irish public to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by individuals and organisations to life in Ireland by nominating them for an award. The Awards will be broadcast live on RTÉ One on Saturday, December 6th with this year having an extra special feel to it, marking 40 years as Ireland’s pre-eminent national awards ceremony.
Today, past winners from across the decades also joined together to call on people to nominate everyday heroes and heroines living in their local communities, their family, friends, and work colleagues – those ordinary people who have done extraordinary things over the last year.
Nominations are open from today and it has never been easier to submit a nomination – members of the public can submit details of their nominee online at www.peopleoftheyear.com or by contacting the People of the Year Awards office for a nomination form on 01 2057397. Social media users can also submit their nominations at www.facebook.com/PeopleOfTheYearAwards. The closing date for entries is Friday 5th September.
All the winners will be nominated by the Irish public and finalised by a panel of adjudicators. Categories include International Person of the Year, Young Person of the Year, Community Group of the Year, and Sports Person of the Year, with additional awards presented for achievements in a range of other areas.
Former Winner Michael Ó Muircheartaigh, said at the launch:
“The People of the Year Awards are an important part of Ireland and I’m delighted to have won and to have been a part of them for many years now. These awards are an incredible way of honouring those heroes in our local communities, people who are going out every day and making changes around the country. In 1997 I was honoured to receive an Award and humbled to be in the company of such inspiring people. The Awards reveal Ireland’s courageous spirit, with outstanding stories of sacrifices and achievements. I would urge you all to think about somebody you know who has done something which might deserve an award and nominate them today.’’
Seán Egan, Chairman, Rehab, commented:
“The 40th anniversary of the People of The Year Awards is a great opportunity to nominate someone you think has gone far beyond the call of duty – in their bravery, their commitment to their community and selfless dedication. People who inspire us all deserve recognition and acknowledgement. Please nominate your hero for a People of the Year Award, and give them the chance to have their achievements celebrated.”
Previous high-profile award winners include: Brendan O’Carroll, Katie Taylor, Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Brian O’Driscoll, Keith Duffy, Padraig Harrington, Christy Moore, Sir Terry Wogan, Bob Geldof and Niall Quinn.
