After sifting through the large amount of  nominations the winners of the Rehab Monaghan People of the Year Awards have been chosen and are due to be honoured at a glittering gala banquet and presentation at the Clayton Hotel on Friday 9th December 2011

Following a massive response to a request for nominations, the winners were selected by an independent panel of adjudicators and the official announcement was made with a photocall for the winners.

Now recognised as one of the highlights of the Monaghan social calendar the Rehab Monaghan People of the Year Awards ceremony seeks to acknowledge and commend the winners for their work and contribution in a variety of fields which contributed to the betterment of the lives of people in their communities. Tickets for this event are now available with proceeds from the evening going to the Rehab Group which provides training, support, education, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities and special needs.

Speaking at the photocall Mary Gamble from Rehab said; "the awards have once again captured the imagination of the Monaghan public with a massive response to the request for nominations. Over the years the contribution either social, educational, sporting, or cultural of the people who drive County Monaghan's communities has been recognised by these awards.

Mary congratulated all the winners for this years awards which include Emma Mc Carron, the exceptional winner of the Child of Courage Award, Garda John Callanan who risked his own life to save a young girl from the waters of Lake Muckno and earned himself the Emergency Services Award,  Dermot Daly, the winner of the Unsung Hero award for his tireless efforts and work at Ballybay Park, the Tydavnet Show Commitee for their extraordinary sucess and dedication in producing the show and Kathleen O'Hanlon for her Volunatry work, year after year, teaching the children and adults of Monaghan to swim.

Monaghan Personality of the year will be awarded to Ryan Sheridan who expressed himself to be "surprised, delighted and deeply honoured" when told of the award by the aduication panel, as were the Growning in Peace Project in Castleblaney upon hearuing that they woluld be honoured with an Unsung Heroes Award. Other winners include Garry Nicholls for his work as a Community Group Leader with Blaney Academy FC and Donal Kenny for his inspiring volunatry work with MonaghanArch Club. The Sports Award is given to Elaine Alexander, from Clonavarn who single handedly circumnavigated Ireland in a kayak travelling over 1000 miles and raised a huge amount of money for charity doing so and finally the Bravery Award which will be presented to Michael Thompson who, at great risk to his own life, saved a 90 year old man and his dog from a raging housefire earlier this year.

Rehab thanked the numerous sponsors of this years awards which include; Monaghan County Council, Silver Hill Foods, The Northern Standard, The Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan Rotary Club, Monaghan GAA, Monaghan Mushrooms, Monaghan Electrical, Rehab Bingo and Combi Lift with many more donating valuable prizes to the raffle which will be drawn on the night.

Tickets for the awards presentation and banquet (black tie) are available from Rehab Care, Canal View Court, Mall Rd, Tirkeenan, Monaghan Town or  from Mary Gamble mary.gamble@rehab.ie , 086 043 2428.

Groups, clubs, organisations and the corporate sector may book their own table. Early booking for tickets is advised.

After sifting through the large amount of  nominations the winners of the Rehab Monaghan People of the Year Awards have been chosen and are due to be honoured at a glittering gala banquet and presentation at the Clayton Hotel on Friday 9th December 2011

Following a massive response to a request for nominations, the winners were selected by an independent panel of adjudicators and the official announcement was made with a photocall for the winners.

Now recognised as one of the highlights of the Monaghan social calendar the Rehab Monaghan People of the Year Awards ceremony seeks to acknowledge and commend the winners for their work and contribution in a variety of fields which contributed to the betterment of the lives of people in their communities. Tickets for this event are now available with proceeds from the evening going to the Rehab Group which provides training, support, education, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities and special needs.

Speaking at the photocall Mary Gamble from Rehab said; "the awards have once again captured the imagination of the Monaghan public with a massive response to the request for nominations. Over the years the contribution either social, educational, sporting, or cultural of the people who drive County Monaghan's communities has been recognised by these awards.

Mary congratulated all the winners for this years awards which include Emma Mc Carron, the exceptional winner of the Child of Courage Award, Garda John Callanan who risked his own life to save a young girl from the waters of Lake Muckno and earned himself the Emergency Services Award,  Dermot Daly, the winner of the Unsung Hero award for his tireless efforts and work at Ballybay Park, the Tydavnet Show Commitee for their extraordinary sucess and dedication in producing the show and Kathleen O'Hanlon for her Volunatry work, year after year, teaching the children and adults of Monaghan to swim.

Monaghan Personality of the year will be awarded to Ryan Sheridan who expressed himself to be "surprised, delighted and deeply honoured" when told of the award by the aduication panel, as were the Growning in Peace Project in Castleblaney upon hearuing that they woluld be honoured with an Unsung Heroes Award. Other winners include Garry Nicholls for his work as a Community Group Leader with Blaney Academy FC and Donal Kenny for his inspiring volunatry work with MonaghanArch Club. The Sports Award is given to Elaine Alexander, from Clonavarn who single handedly circumnavigated Ireland in a kayak travelling over 1000 miles and raised a huge amount of money for charity doing so and finally the Bravery Award which will be presented to Michael Thompson who, at great risk to his own life, saved a 90 year old man and his dog from a raging housefire earlier this year.

Rehab thanked the numerous sponsors of this years awards which include; Monaghan County Council, Silver Hill Foods, The Northern Standard, The Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan Rotary Club, Monaghan GAA, Monaghan Mushrooms, Monaghan Electrical, Rehab Bingo and Combi Lift with many more donating valuable prizes to the raffle which will be drawn on the night.

Tickets for the awards presentation and banquet (black tie) are available from Rehab Care, Canal View Court, Mall Rd, Tirkeenan, Monaghan Town or  from Mary Gamble mary.gamble@rehab.ie , 086 043 2428.

Groups, clubs, organisations and the corporate sector may book their own table. Early booking for tickets is advised.