Admiral of the Boyne Winner Honoured in Gala Ceremony
Thursday, 11th December 2008: Laurence Kinsella of Kentstown was yesterday (Wednesday, 10th December) crowned the Admiral of the Boyne in a ceremony in the Ardboyne Hotel in Navan, Co. Meath.
First established by Rehab in 1984, the Admiral of the Boyne event recognises the fundraising achievements by local people for Rehab services. The 120 guests at the event, were treated to a gala dinner before the winner was announced. The four nominees were Dara Englishby from Athboy, Pat Fogarty from Navan, Mora Murphy from Dunboyne and Laurence Kinsella from Kentstown.
Speaking at the Awards, Mr Michael Smythe, Chairman of the organising committee, thanked the winners and their helpers for their tremendous efforts over recent months, in raising €25,000 for Rehab.
Ciaran Macken, Area Organiser for Rehab in Meath, said, “The Admiral of the Boyne celebrates its twenty-fifth year this year and, during that time, over 100 people from all parts of the county have taken part. Thanks to their efforts, over €500,000 has been raised, resulting in the expansion of services to people with disabilities across the county.
“I would like to congratulate the nominees on their terrific achievements and thank everyone involved in supporting the work of Rehab in Meath. Rehab has an ongoing fundraising programme to ensure the continued development of its services locally and with the help of the public, Rehab will continue to make a real difference to the lives of hundreds of people in Meath every year.”
Two other presentations were also made on the night – to Michael Smythe (Nobber) and Michael Regan (Trim) in recognition of their outstanding work for Rehab over many years.
Rehab is a dynamic not-for-profit organisation working to support those with disabilities and others who are marginalised. In Meath, Rehab provides services for 218 people with disabilities throughout the county through its divisions National Learning Network and RehabCare, and as well as employment to 10 people with disabilities under the Wage Subsidy Scheme.
National Learning Network provides training in partnership with FÁS and the Health Service Executive (HSE) for persons out of work through accident, illness, or disability. Its two centres in Navan currently cater for 68 learners and provide the Vocational Training Programmes in Employer-based Training, Fresh Start and Advance, and the Rehabilitative Training Programme Access. These programmes have proven to be highly successful in advancing learners towards employment and further education and training.
In partnership with the HSE, RehabCare provides a range of high-quality person-centred services. In Meath, these include resource centres in Dunboyne and Navan which provide support to 105 people in areas such as personal and social development, independent living skills, community integration and part-time work. This is achieved through computer skills training, numeracy and literacy training, cookery, arts and crafts, digital photography, music and sport. In Navan there is also a residential respite service for over 40 children. This unique service caters for children with a physical and sensory disability, intellectual disability and autism. In addition, RehabCare provides a residential service for adults with autism.
Rehab Enterprises in Navan provides packaging, logistics and transport to companies in the Meath area and employs 18 people, 10 of whom are people with disabilities employed under the Wage Subsidy Scheme.
Ends
Note to editor:
Rehab
Rehab is an independent not-for-profit organisation working for social and economic inclusion among people with disabilities and others who are marginalised. Each year, more than 56,000 people access its health and social care, training and education, and rehabilitation, employment and commercial services in Rehab’s network of 208 centres across Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Poland.
Photographs:
Photographs are available from Peter Gallagher
Tel: 087 246 9883
For further information, please contact:
Ciaran Macken, Area Organiser, Rehab
Tel: 087 419 0339
Tess Tattersall, Communications and Public Affairs, Rehab
Tel: 01 2057 260
Mobile: 086 872 2509
Email: tess.tattersall@www.rehab.ie