The People of the Year Awards, Ireland’s national awards ceremony that celebrates the country’s most inspiring citizens, has today (Monday, 22 March 2010) launched its 2010 call for nominations and is asking people to nominate their inspirational heroes.
In the breathtaking setting of Dublin’s new Grand Canal Theatre, acting legend David Kelly, Olympic boxer Kenny Egan and writer Brian Keenan (previous People of the Year Award recipients in 2009, 2008 and 1990) joined Clelia Murphy from RTÉ’s Fair City and schoolchildren from St Patrick’s BNS and St Patrick’s GNS in Ringsend to sound the nominations rallying cry to the people of Ireland.
The Awards, which are organised by Rehab, sponsored by QUINN-healthcare and broadcast before a live television audience of hundreds of thousands on RTÉ One, take place on Saturday 11th September, 2010, in Dublin.
Now in their 36th year, the People of the Year Awards which are attended by a veritable Who’s Who of Irish society, provide a unique opportunity for the Irish public to honour simply outstanding contributions by individuals and organisations to life in Ireland. Previous winners have come from all walks of life, from all age groups and from all backgrounds – all with one thing in common – their wonderful deeds have stirred the hearts of a nation.
The winners of the People of the Year Awards are nominated by members of the public and finalised by a panel of adjudicators. In addition to the International Person of the Year and the Young Person of the Year (under 25 years of age), a number of exciting categories have been introduced this year including Sports Person of the Year and Community Group of the Year. Other People of the Year Awards are also presented for achievements in the areas of arts and culture, and public sector achievement, among others.
Nominations for the Awards can be submitted online at www.peopleoftheyear.com or by email to poy@quinn-healthcare.com. The closing date for entries is Tuesday, 15th June, 2010.
Commenting on the occasion of the launch, Dónal Clancy, General Manager, QUINN-healthcare said:
“QUINN-healthcare is delighted to be involved with the People of the Year Awards for the fourth year running. Over the last few years, we have been overwhelmed by the truly incredible stories of each and every winner and 2010’s Awards will bring deserved recognition to some of the extraordinary people who contribute to Irish society in many different ways.”
Angela Kerins, Rehab Chief Executive, added:
“There are many, many heroes all over Ireland whose achievements deserve wider recognition and the People of the Year Awards are all about recognising these individuals and organisations. The Awards night honours these inspirational people, and shows us all what we can achieve with hard work, determination, and passion. With new categories for 2010 and a spectacular show lined up, I have no doubt that this year will be the most compelling yet in the history of the Awards. We do, however, need your help and I would encourage the people of Ireland to take the time to nominate these unsung heroes before the 15th June 2010.”
Eddie Doyle, Commissioning Editor, Entertainment Programming, RTÉ Television, commented:
“The People of the Year Awards are always a huge draw to the Irish television viewing public, who watch in hundreds of thousands to witness the great work of such remarkable citizens. At its core, the Awards deliver a very positive message about individual and collective responsibility;
Past winners of the People of the Year Awards include Sir Bob Geldof, Padraig Harrington, Mary Robinson, Veronica Guerin, Mo Mowlam, Christy Moore, Darren Sutherland, Kenny Egan, Keith Duffy, the Irish Rugby Team and Brian O’Driscoll.
Nomination forms are also available from Rehab, Roslyn Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4 or by telephoning (01) 205 7200. All entries should include details of the nominee and the reasons why he/she should win an Award.
ENDS
For additional information and interview requests with previous winners, Rehab or QUINN-healthcare, please contact:
Colm Ó Riagáin or Niamh Hickey, Slattery Communications
Tel: +353 1 661 4055 / +353 86 804 9383 (CO’R) / +353 86 304 9228 (NH)
Email:
Don Delaney, Rehab
Tel: +353 1 205 7311 / +353 86 835 8575
Email:
Notes to Editors
About Rehab
Rehab is a leading non-governmental organisation which works towards a world where every person has the opportunity to achieve their potential. Over 3,350 Rehab staff members provide high-quality health and social care, training and education, and rehabilitation, employment and commercial services in Ireland, England, Scotland, the Netherlands and Poland. The people who currently use Rehab services include young people and adults with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities, people with mental health difficulties, people with autism and people with an acquired brain injury. A range of essential services is also provided to older people, carers and others who are marginalised. Every year, more than 50,000 people and their families benefit from the supports provided by Rehab in over 200 locations. For more information see www.rehab.ie
About QUINN-healthcare
Based in Co Cork, QUINN-healthcare has a wealth of experience in the healthcare market, and has earned a reputation for professionalism and expertise in providing healthcare solutions to both individuals and companies. The company has gone from strength to strength through its commitment to excellent customer service, the many new benefits that have been introduced and by continuing to provide the best value health insurance in the market. For more information see www.quinn-healthcare.com
ABOUT RTÉ
RTÉ is Ireland’s Public Service Broadcaster. RTÉ operates two complementary television channels, RTÉ One and RTÉ Two, and eleven nationwide radio stations, consisting of four FM services RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2fm, RTÉ lyric fm and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, and seven digital services RTÉ Choice, RTÉ Gold, RTÉ Junior, RTÉ 2XM, RTÉ Pulse, RTÉ Chill and RTÉ Radio 1 Extra. RTÉ also publishes Ireland’s best-selling magazine, the RTÉ Guide, operates Ireland’s leading teletext service, RTÉ Aertel, and provides up-to-date news, current affairs and entertainment information via Ireland’s most popular media website, RTÉ.ie. RTÉ is also a major contributor to the arts in Ireland and supports five performing groups – the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet, the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir and RTÉ Cór na nÓg. For more information see www.rte.ie
www.peopleoftheyear.com
