Hero postmistress gets Gala award
A local postwoman, who helped save an elderly farmer from being savagely mauled by a dog last year, has been named as one of 26 inspirational heroes at the Gala Retail and Virgin Media Inspiration Awards.
Catherine Farrell from Bailieborough had been completing her usual round on Tuesday, June 11, when she encountered 85-year-old Jimmy Thompson being attacked at nearby Seefin Hill.
Mum of two Catherine used a tray for holding post she had in the back of her van as a shield, to fend off the animal. “If I had to drive over the dog, I would have driven over him. Every second was vital,” she told The Anglo-Celt at the time.
The Gala Retail and Virgin Media awards seeks out inspirational people from across Ireland.
Each of this year’s 26 award-winners, judges say, made Ireland a better place through their selfless acts and inspirational deeds.
In neighbouring Co Monaghan, Garda Martina McMahon was honoured for her dedicated involvement with several local community groups.
They include setting up of a new Community Alert Group, while she was also instrumental in helping get the Scotshouse Community Childcare Service up and running last year. The move resulted in the preschool opening in September 2019.
Commenting on the quality of the entries, Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail comments:
“2020 has been hugely difficult for everyone however, it has also demonstrated the immense community spirit that exists within Irish communities. Operating in communities throughout Ireland, Gala retailers have seen first-hand some of the great work that people have been doing and we are proud to have been able to recognise some of these inspirational individuals. We were overwhelmed by the level of nominations we received from across Ireland and the chosen inspirational heroes are true examples of people who are making Ireland a better place for us all.”
The 2020 Gala Retail Inspiration Awards mark the second year of the event.
Gala Retail has gifted €20,000 in prizes to the winners, including luxury stays in some of Ireland’s most beautiful Blue Book properties.