Strabane quintet honoured with recognition awards

FIVE Strabane women, who have been instrumental in rejuvenating the local community during lockdown, saw their hard work rewarded with a Special Recognition Award at a reception at council last Thursday.

Sinead McDermott, Mary McDermott, Ann-Marie McColgan, Mary Patton, and Hayley Devine were invited to the Mayor’s Parlour in the Guildhall to receive their awards, a piece of Derry Crystal emblazoned with Strabane’s own Tinnies.

Sinead said the group feel ‘honoured and deeply humbled’ by the recognition.

The quintet have been instrumental in instigating various community events in the Croaghan View area of Melmount during lockdown, culminating in the Christmas Market last month. Asked how it all came about, Sinead remarked, “Jason Barr was at our Christmas Market, was hugely impressed by it and insisted that we deserved some level of recognition for it.

“He texted me two weeks ago to say that he had put us forward for an award and that the five of us were invited to the Guildhall for a special reception. Everyone was absolutely delighted to be chosen.”

She continued, “We had a brilliant time with the Mayor. He’s such a nice man and took great interest in what we’re doing for the local community. The craic was great that night and the laughter never stopped, we got to take lots of pictures.”

The community events, which have mostly taken place in summer, saw food, music, a raffle, and bingo laid on for anyone who came along.

“It isn’t just the five of us,” Sinead continued. “There’s a tight-knit bunch of people which includes Martin Porter, Jarlath McNulty and Ursula Doherty who help bring it all together and we couldn’t do it without them. To be honest, I felt bad that they couldn’t also be there to be honoured as they’re just as responsible for the success.

“I would like to take this opportunity to give a massive thank you to everyone who supports us. I’ve said it many times, but it can’t be emphasised enough – its not about us, its about the community, our neighbours and volunteers who work to make sure that these days go off without a hitch.”

Plans are already afoot for more and Sinead revealed that talks are underway for a possible St Patrick’s Day event.