Celebrities and former winners have joined forces to launch the People of the Year Awards as the search begins to find Donegal’s 2017 heroes.
RTE broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan and Celebrity Operation Transformation contestant James Patrice launched the awards at the Mansion House in Dublin this week alongside former winners Aoibheann Mangan (11) and Padraic Godwin (12).
At the launch, celebrities and former winners urged the public to nominate their heroes – family, friends and colleagues – and those ordinary people who have done extraordinary things in Donegal.
RTE broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan and Celebrity Operation Transformation contestant James Patrice launched the awards at the Mansion House in Dublin alongside former winners Aoibheann Mangan (11) from Hollymount, Mayo and Padraic Goodwin (12) from Cloghans Hill, Tuam, Co Galway. PHOTO: Mark Stedman
RTÉ broadcaster and TV presenter Miriam O’Callaghan described the awards as a “prestigious opportunity” to nominate somebody who deserves recognition.
Miriam added: “If you know somebody who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, the People of the Year Awards is the ideal way to honour them. Throughout my career I’ve travelled all over Ireland and the globe, and have witnessed the amazing work and sacrifices that people make. The Awards reveal Ireland’s courageous spirit and remarkable achievements.
“It’s such a fantastic national celebration which recognises some truly amazing people across Ireland, from all communities and backgrounds. We all known people who deserve recognition, so I hope people get nominating their hero.”
Meanwhile, fresh from Celebrity Operation Transformation, presenter and social media celebrity James Patrice says it will be a highlight to his social calendar.
“The People of the Year Awards is a ceremony where we get to honour those who would normally not be recognised. I’m so looking forward to attending what promises to be one of the most fabulous nights of the year. I feel privileged to be part of it,” added James
Now in its 43rd year, the awards, which are organised by Rehab Group, will be broadcasted on RTÉ One on Saturday, March 3rd. The hit show has also found a new home and will take place at The Round Room in the Mansion House.
The winners, who are all nominated by the Irish public, are finalised by a panel of adjudicators.
Commenting on the launch, Mo Flynn, CEO of the Rehab Group, said: “Every year we are humbled by the powerful nomination stories we receive. People among us are extraordinary and do amazingly selfless things every day that may not get the recognition they deserve.
“We want to celebrate these people and honour their incredible achievements, dedication and determination. The People of the Year Awards give the country the opportunity to honour those people, and to celebrate their valuable contributions.’’
HOW TO NOMINATE
Nominating someone is easy and the public can submit details of their chosen nominee online at www.peopleoftheyear.ie . The closing date for entries is Friday, December 1st. All the winners are nominated by the Irish public and finalised by a panel of adjudicators. As well as a number of general awards, people can nominate their Young Person of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, International Person of the Year and the Community Group of the Year.
Former winners include comedian Brendan O’Carroll, Olympian Katie Taylor, Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, and Davitt Walsh.
For more information on the awards visit www.peopleoftheyear.ie
