Limerick hurling boss John Kiely praises ‘inspiring’ stories behind Person of Year

“INCREDIBLE, powerful, and inspiring” is how the Limerick senior hurling team manager John Kiely described the stories behind the 12 nominees for the Limerick Person of the Year award 2018.

He made the comments after the All-Ireland senior hurling champions were revealed as the Persons of the Year at a gala ceremony at Limerick’s Clayton Hotel.

Accepting the award on behalf of the hurling panel, John paid tribute to all the monthly winners: “Having listened to the stories of all the other award recipients, we’re humbled to even be considered on the same page as these people. Their stories are just incredible, they’re powerful, they are inspiring, they are just laden with courage and determination and they epitomise the people of Limerick in a very very unique way. We salute them for what they have done.

“We are part of a team, we have maybe 70 of us in total, those people ploughed their own furrow in many respects.

“At the same time, I hope that our journey made their road and other people’s road a little bit easier this last year. To have been where we were last August and ended that phase of our history, I think it’s a wonderful thing for us all and it opens up the door to an even brighter future.

“On behalf of the team and the management I would like to thank you all for your support over the last number of years, it’s been incredible and inspiring for lots of young kids running around with hurleys in their hands.”

At the gala event which took place on Thursday afternoon cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan was honoured with a Special Achievement Award.

Vicky, who unfortunately wasn’t able to attend the ceremony due to a hospital appointment, was recognised for her steadfast work in uncovering the CervicalCheck scandal and her tireless support of other women who have been affected and are fighting for justice.

Mayor of Limerick City and County Council James Collins accepted the award on Vicky’s behalf saying: “Her strength of character exposed glaring weaknesses in a failing system, with fatal consequences for far too many women.”

There was also an award for the family of Dolores O’Riordan, after she was inducted in the Limerick Person of the Year Hall of Fame.

- For further coverage of the awards see The Leader and weekend edition