A former bus-driver who became synonymous with the cause of East Timor and a group providing counselling to city prostitutes are among the recipients of this year's Dublin Lord Mayor's awards.
Mr Tom Hyland and the Ruhama Women's Project were joined by entertainers Des Keogh and Rosaleen Linehan and by architect Mr Gerry Cahill in receiving the awards, which honour Dublin residents who have made a special contribution to the city and its citizens.
Presenting the prizes in the Mansion House last night, the Lord Mayor, Cllr Mary Freehill, said the recipients had between them "entertained us, inspired us and raised our awareness of those too frequently neglected in Ireland and abroad". The winners received gold pins with the mayoral coat of arms and a scroll bearing the citation of their achievements. The Ruhama Project, the first group to be recognised since the awards began in 1989, was also presented with a piece of Waterford crystal.
The project, which takes its name from the Hebrew word for "a renewed life" was also inaugurated in 1989, as an initiative by the Legion of Mary with help from Our Ladies of Charity and the Good Shepherd Sisters.
It offers counselling, friendship, education and training to prostitutes in Dublin, working with up to 30 women each night.
A former bus-driver, Mr Tom Hyland, took voluntary redundancy from CIE in the early 1990s and has since become identified with the cause of justice in East Timor. He founded the East Timor Ireland Solidarity Campaign and won the television Documentary of the Year award in 1999 with his film Dropping The Number 10 For Dili.
Des Keogh and Rosaleen Linehan are veteran actors and comedians who this year revived their popular satirical revue. The show, Des and Rosie Ride Again, sold out at the Hot Press Hall of Fame HQ in January and later transferred to the Olympia for another successful run.
Mr Gerry Cahill is an architect dedicated to environmentally sustainable urban renewal in Dublin. The winner of many awards, he has worked with voluntary and charitable organisations, most recently directing architecture students in a study aimed at restoring Rathmines.
