Congratulations: Longford man who has dedicated so much of his life to helping others honoured

Volunteer Certs: Ballymahon Municipal District Cathaoirleach Martin Skelly with Tony Moran, Martin Tarmey, Joanna Hogan, Mary Prendergast, Chris Moran, Rose Egan, John Mimnagh (IWA National Volunteer of the Year), Noelle Gillen (Acting Service Coordinator Kenagh ROC) and Catherine Mulderry | Picture: Shelley Corcoran

placeholder image — Volunteer Certs: Ballymahon Municipal District Cathaoirleach Martin Skelly with Tony Moran, Martin Tarmey, Joanna Hogan, Mary Prendergast, Chris Moran, Rose Egan, John Mimnagh (IWA National Volunteer of the Year), Noelle Gillen (Acting Service Coordinator Kenagh ROC) and Catherine Mulderry | Picture: Shelley Corcoran

Vice-chairperson of the Longford Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association for over 30 years, Killoe’s John Mimnagh, has been honoured as the IWA's National Volunteer of the Year

The Irish Wheelchair Association service hosted a very successful open day at their Kenagh Resource and Outreach Centre recently.

Among the attendees was John Mimnagh, who was named the Irish Wheelchair Association's National Volunteer of the Year, a thoroughly deserved honour for someone who has dedicated so much of his life to helping others.

John is a fantastic example of the difference volunteers make at the Irish Wheelchair Association.

His dedication, time and ongoing support has had a meaningful impact on IWA members in Longford.

Vice-chairperson of the Longford branch for over 30 years, John has been volunteering with the IWA centre since it opened its doors on February 17, 2000.

He was very involved with the members when they used to attend Cuisle on their annual holiday overnight and in the Dolmen Centre, Aughnacliffe where there was a day service (1999-2010).

John is hugely involved in fundraising with the Longford branch which includes their annual Corlea push/walk, flag, days & church gate collections. All money raised helped to purchase buses with support of Clar funding, support members on outings such as rugby & soccer matches at the Aviva, Guinness store house, visit knock basilica and Lough Ree boat trips, bowling etc.

John supports the members in Kenagh and is also a great support to staff and management when going on outings. He loves coming into the centre and chatting with them and supporting them. He loves seeing them so happy and enjoys the social chat, cup of tea and banter.

John is delighted to be part of an integral Kenagh IWA Longford branch committee and thanks all committee members, volunteers and wider community for their support to Kenagh IWA throughout the last thirty years.