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NATIONAL VFI GOOD NEIGHBOUR OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED

16-December-2008

Offaly's George Smith honoured for work in local community George Smith from Banagher in Co. Offaly has been chosen as the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) Good Neighbour of the Year 2008 in association with Heineken. Smith, who was named as the Offaly VFI Good Neighbour of the Year last month, beat off stiff competition from around the country to be chosen as this year's national winner. He was nominated for his outstanding contribution to the local community over many years through his involvement in a variety of local organisations and initiatives.

A special awards ceremony was held last night in his nominating pub, The Corner House in Banagher, at which he was presented with a specially commissioned trophy, a cheque for €3,000 to donate to a local charity of his choice as well as a well earned €2,000 holiday voucher. George has decided to divide his cheque three ways between Banagher St. Vincent de Paul branch, Brother Brian Johnston, who carries out missionary work in Kenya, and Sister Helen Ryder, who carries out missionary work in Haiti. George's work in the community involved setting up field sports in the school as well as the local Boy Scouts troop. He also set up water safety, canoe and swim courses which gave local people a greater appreciation of the river they live on. If that wasn't enough, he is also involved in the Banagher Tidy Towns committee, the Rural Transport Project and the Old Folks Committee.

Sean Corrigan, proprietor of The Corner House, commented: "George has given a tremendous amount to Banagher. We are honoured to have him in our community, as a customer but most of all as our friend." Upon receiving his award, George Smith said: "I'm delighted to have won. It was such a surprise and a great honour to be nominated." The VFI Good Neighbour Award, which is supported by Heineken, is now in its third year and runs in all counties outside Dublin. The aim is to recognise the unsung heroes who make a difference to the life of a friend or neighbour in their local community. As part of the initiative, pub customers in participating VFI pubs throughout the country were invited to nominate someone in their local community who they believe deserves such recognition.

Speaking at the awards night, VFI President, Val Hanley, said: "This award honours the unsung heroes of our communities. People who give of their time selflessly to help others in their community deserve to be honoured. George is one such person." Also in attendance, Johnny Crowley, Heineken Ireland, commented: "We are delighted to support such a worthy scheme as the VFI Goof Neighbour Award. Ireland needs local heroes and it is only right that unsung heroes who put in so much time and effort are honoured."