Kilmacrennan community worker Fred Gallagher is the surprise winner of ‘DLDC Hall of Fame’ award for 2023.
The Donegal Community Recognition Awards, held last night, celebrated Fred’s lifetime of remarkable contributions to community groups in Kilmacrennan and the wider area.
Fred has worked with both the Termon and Kilmacrennan Community and is currently the Company Secretary of Kilmacrennan Community Development Group CLG. Fred also helped establish a new social enterprise “Extra Time Thrift Shop” in Kilmacrennan to help raise money for the group.
He was pivotal in helping to get the Craoibhin Community Enterprise Centre established as the successful enterprise that it is today.
Fred has helped many people in the community through giving advice and helping them with grant applications.
A spokesperson for the Kilmacrennan Community Development Group said they are lucky to have him: “He is a true gentleman where nothing is too much trouble and he gives his all to every group he is involved in. Fred is an innovator; he is always thinking of new ways to bring about positive change and improve his local community. He has a creative mind and is not afraid to push the boundaries and come up with solutions to challenges.”
Patsy McGonagle, Chairman of DLDC, presented the accolade to Fred and, with heartfelt gratitude, Patsy acknowledged Gallagher’s unwavering dedication to the community and voluntary sector, a testament to a legacy that spans decades.
(L-R) Patsy McGonagle, Chair of DLDC; Padraic Fingleton, CEO of DLDC; Fred Gallagher
Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) was delighted to hold its Community Recognition Awards 2023 to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding community efforts by individuals, groups, and volunteers in County Donegal.
The awards ceremony took place in the Finn Valley Centre, Stranorlar with 120 representatives from the community and voluntary sector in attendance for an evening of celebration, food, music, and dance.
The high number of nominations received under the five categories were an acknowledgement of the outstanding community efforts that individuals and groups have delivered in County Donegal over the last year.
Category sponsors included ATU Donegal, Magee, Highland Radio, Tata Consultancy Services and The Cope.
Representatives from each of the five category winners: Pictured L- R: Sorca McElhinney – Donegal Food Response Network, Patsy McGonagle, Chair of DLDC, Máire Níc Giolla Chomhaill, Ionad Naomh Padráig, Kathleen French, Lifford and Clonleigh Resource Centre, Austin O’Donnell, Scioból na bhFear, Gaoth Dobhair, Padraic Fingleton, CEO of DLDC, Kayleigh Bowery, Letterkenny Pride
Lee Gooch from Highland Radio was Master of Ceremony and interviewed the finalists on stage and acknowledged the outstanding contribution they’ve made to their local communities.
Padraic Fingleton, CEO of DLDC, expressed gratitude to the community groups, social enterprises, and volunteers. Their daily impact in our Donegal communities is monumental, offering a diverse range of support to those who need it most.
Best Social Inclusion/Peer Support Campaign – Sponsored by ATU
Winner: Scioból na bhFear, Gaoth Dobhair
Runners Up: Slieve League Special Needs Support Group; Donegal Solace Cancer Support Centre, and Letterkenny Community Gardens
Pictured(L- R): Liam O’Gogain, Eve-Anne McCarron, ATU, Ronald Turk, Connie O’Donnell, Austin O’Donnell, Patsy McGonagle, Chairperson of DLDCVIPs
Best Collaborative Community Project – Sponsored by Magee
Winner: Donegal Food Response Network
Runners Up: Mind Your Melon; Convoy Community Activation Family Day; Falcarragh Community Activation
Pictured(L- R): Rosy Temple, Magee, Padraic Fingleton, CEO of DLC, Sorca McElhinney, The Doorway Project, Mary Coyle, Ionad Naomh Padraig, Anne Marie Shovlin, CDP Na Rosann. Tonia Ni Chuirrin, Ramelton Community Development
Most Innovative Community Initiative – Sponsored by Highland Radio
Winner: Letterkenny Pride
Runners Up: The Garage Project, Prosocial Ireland; Chat and a Cuppa, Bundoran Community Centre; and The New Lands Choir
Pictured(L- R): Sinead Murray Lynch; Steven Crane; John Breslin, Highland Radio; Pauric Havlin, Kayleigh Bowery; Francis Meehan; Candice Devine; and Patsy McGonagle, Chairperson of DLDC Chairman of D
Best Community Organisation / Social Enterprise – Small – Sponsored by Tata Consultancy Services
Winner: Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre
Runners Up: Planet Youth; Dunfanaghy FRC; Raphoe Community in Action
Pictured(L- R): Emma McNulty and Brian Kelly, Tata Consultancy Services; Brid Foley
Kathleen French; Amy Brogan; Patsy McGonagle, Chairperson of DLDC, Linda Bryne airman of DCEO of DLDC.
Best Community Organisation / Social Enterprise – Large – Sponsored by The Cope
Winner: Ionad Naomh Padráig
Runners Up: Milford and District Resource Centre; Scoil Cheoil Na Crannóige; Comharchumann Forbartha Dhún Lúiche
Pictured(L- R): Emma McNulty and Brian Kelly, Tata Consultancy Services; Brid Foley
Kathleen French; Amy Brogan; Patsy McGonagle, Chairperson of DLDC, Linda Bryne airman of DCEO of DLDC.
