Dubs make a difference lord mayor says thanks at ceremony

SINGER IMELDA May, historian Pat Liddy and environmentalist fireman Neil McCabe were among those honoured by the Lord Mayor of Dublin last night as people who have made a difference to the city.

The annual Lord Mayor’s Awards, running since 1989, are described as “Dublin’s way of saying thank you” not only to Dubliners, but also to events and organisations. For the first time this year, recipients were nominated by the public.

“Sixty-six nominations were received and I would like to thank everyone who submitted nominations,” said Lord Mayor Gerry Breen. “I hope you will agree the chosen recipients are deserving of this recognition.”

Imelda May was praised for the critical acclaim with which her first album Love Tattoo was received in 2009, and also her second album Mayhem, released last year.

Neil McCabe, a firefighter with Dublin Fire Brigade, introduced a number of green initiatives in his workplace, Kilbarrack fire station. It is now the first carbon-neutral fire station in the world and he has been tasked with introducing similar changes at other fire stations.

Also honoured was Tom Coffey, chief executive of Dublin City Business Association – one of Ireland’s top retail federations – who works on behalf of members to ensure Dublin offers attractive retail and leisure options.

Pat Liddy is a leading historian of Dublin. The author of eight illustrated books, he leads walking tours and has done much to raise awareness of Dublin’s unique architectural and historical heritage.

Also honoured were the Irish Kidney Association, which has since 1978 met the needs of patients, their families and carers affected by end-stage renal disease, and the Dublin Marathon, which has grown in popularity since it was started by athlete Noel Carroll in 1979.