STEVE COLLINS, the Limerick man who refuses to give in to threats to his family following the murder of his son Roy, received a People of the Year Award at a ceremony in Dublin on Saturday night.
Mr Collins, who still lives under threat, established a campaign to reclaim the streets of Limerick from criminality and drew the support of thousands of people who attended a rally he organised in Limerick city.
He was among the many recipients of the Rehab-organised event which also saw the Irish rugby team, victims of institutional abuse Christine Buckley and Michael O’Brien, and actor David Kelly being honoured.
The Irish rugby team received a People of the Year Award for its skill, dedication and sporting success and for lifting the nation in difficult times by winning the Six Nations Trophy and the first Grand Slam victory in 61 years.
Brian O’Driscoll received a surprise award on the night in recognition of his personal achievement and immense contribution to Irish rugby as captain of Ireland, as a member of the Leinster rugby squad and as a Lions player.
Actor David Kelly was honoured for his immense contribution to stage and screen in Ireland and as an international film star during a professional career spanning more than 55 years.
Christine Buckley and Michael O’Brien were honoured in recognition of their courage, honesty and dignity in campaigning on behalf of survivors of institutional abuse.
Eleanor Thomson from Dundalk, Co Louth, received her award for her kindness to and compassion for a dying man whom she befriended when both were being treated for cancer in Dublin and whom she cared for until his death.
The Irish Hospice Foundation received its award for its support and commitment to the development of a comprehensive hospice/ palliative care service and for its vision for the future care of all people facing the end of life.
Bernadette Lanigan received a special award as Nurse of the Year for her dedication and care for the children who attend the eye department in Temple Street Children’s University Hospital.
Sarah Kavanagh (20), from Rathgarogue, Co Wexford, was named Young Person of the Year for her courage in saving the life of her sister Michele (12) in June 2008. She had been trapped at a burning petrol pump after a car smashed into the garage forecourt and set the premises on fire.
Debbie Deegan received the honour of International Person of the Year for making a life-changing contribution to the lives of thousands of abandoned children in Bryansk in Russia. Debbie founded the charity To Russia with Love.
Sylvia Meehan was presented with her award for her skill and tenacity in asserting the rights of older people. Last year she led the campaign against the abolition of the universal entitlement to the medical card for the over-70s. known as the “grey revolution”.
Finally, Ronnie Drew was posthumously honoured for his role in re-energising Ireland’s musical heritage and for his inspirational talent as a musician and vocalist.
The awards have been running for 35 years and are sponsored by Quinn Healthcare.
People of the Year: the award winners
- The Irish Rugby Team for the country’s first Grand Slam in 61 years, and for “lifting the entire nation in difficult times”.
- Brian O’Driscoll, captain of Ireland, Leinster and Lions player.
- Actor David Kelly for his contribution to stage and screen.
- Christine Buckley and Michael O’Brien for campaigning on behalf of the survivors of institutional abuse.
- Steve Collins for his bravery in dealing with the murder of his son Roy.
- Eleanor Thomson for her compassion to a dying man.
- The Irish Hospice Foundation for its hospice/ palliative care.
- Ronnie Drew was posthumously honoured for his crucial role in Irish music.
- Bernadette Lanigan is Nurse of the Year .
- Sarah Kavanagh (20) is Young Person of the Year for saving the life of her sister.
- Debbie Deegan is International Person of the Year for founding To Russia with Love
- Sylvia Meehan was honoured for campaigning for the rights of older people