A schoolteacher and a champion hurler turned priest were among the community leaders recognised for their "inspirational" service in this year's Dublin Lord Mayor's Awards ceremony, which took place last night in the Mansion House.
The awards have been presented annually since 1989 to individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the city of Dublin through their work or volunteer service. Past winners include novelist Maeve Binchy, Gay Byrne and Neil Jordan.
Lord Mayor Vincent Jackson's 2007 selection comprises four individuals and two groups.
Schoolteacher and youth activist Maureen O'Sullivan was selected for her "commitment, generosity and lifelong contribution to youth work" in the parish of St Joseph's in Dublin's northeast inner city.
Ballyfermot parish priest Fr Séamus Ryan, a Limerick hurler in the 1950s, was commended for his community development work in Ballyfermot and missionary activities in Africa, Asia and South America.
Edward McGrane was honoured for his services to the youth hostelling organisation An Óige, with which he has served as vice-president for nearly two decades.
Dr Patrick Plunkett was recognised for the "tireless work he continues to do for the care of the underprivileged and the elderly" and for his service as a volunteer in the St John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland.
The mayor also commended the work of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul and the Irish League of Credit Unions.
Cllr Jackson said the ceremony provided a chance to recognise just a few of the thousands of Dubliners who give back to their community.
"The awards aren't about publicity," he said. "It's about me giving an acknowledgment of people who have made a profound impact on the quality of life in Dublin."