Offaly Civil Defence Presentation Ceremony 2023

7 December 2023

On Monday night, 4th December Offaly Civil Defence volunteers gathered for their annual presentation evening in the Tullamore Court Hotel. The evening is an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of the volunteer membership to the organisation. Training Certificates were also presented on the night.

It was also a special night for the following six volunteers:

  • Volunteer Stephen Lloyd received his 20-year Long Service Medal and Covid Medal.
  • Carmel McDonald received her Forty-year Long Service Medal.
  • Volunteers Patrick Kelly, Mary Curry and Ann Dunican all received their 50-year long service medal from the Cathoirleach of Offaly County Council.
  • Volunteer Bob Flynn was promoted to the Rank of First Officer by Offaly CDO, Fergal Conroy.

Offaly County Council representatives were also in attendance on the night they included the Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney along with newly appointed Director of Services Ann Dillon which includes Emergency Services – Civil Defence. Chief Fire Office Eoin O‘Ceilleachair was also present as Section head of the Emergency Services Department.

Offaly CDO, Fergal Conroy thanked all Civil Defence members present for their dedication and support at over forty events which took place across the County during 2023. He Thanked the Long Service Medal participants for their years of dedicated service and also conveyed a message from the Tánaiste, and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin on the night.  Civil Defence in Offaly is making great progress, and he looks forward to that continued support during 2024.

A candle was also lit on the night to remember the passing of volunteer members no longer with us especially remembering volunteer Josie Bailey who passed away on 4th July 2023.  A small token of appreciation was presented to all present by the CDO and he wished all a happy and peaceful Christmas and heath and happiness for 2024.