Grainne Ní Lochlainn from Connemara is celebrating this week after being named Galway’s Most Inspirational Person at this year’s Gala Retail Inspiration Awards with Virgin Media.
Her extensive and inspirational work in the public health sphere within the local community earned her with the title of Inspirational Person in this year’s awards.
Grainne, from the Béal an Daingin area, really impressed the judges for her work in her local community.
Working as a public health nurse, Grainne put her heart and soul into every patient while also undergoing a Master’s in healthcare.
Grainne has also been known to take care of her patients’ pets when they have been in hospital.
Established four years ago to celebrate individuals who work to create better communities with their selfless acts and inspirational deeds, Gala Retail awarded inspirational people from 26 counties, with each receiving €1,000 in Ireland Hotel vouchers.
Noreen Murphy, from Bantry in County Cork, was named as the Overall Inspirational Person of the Year for her services to mental health with the establishment of Lisheen’s House Suicide Prevention Charity.
According to Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, choosing the winners was a challenging task.
“We’ve heard some truly inspirational stories from people across Ireland during these awards, which has affirmed something we already knew – that we have so many selfless people carrying out great work in our communities,” Gary said.
“Now in their fourth year, the Inspiration Awards pay tribute to people who play a key role in creating a better country for us all.
“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.”
He said that Grainne, along with the fellow inspirational heroes, are true examples of people who are making Ireland a better place.
Gala Retail has gifted €26,000 of prizes to the winners with the 26 county winners being awarded with €1,000 hotel getaways across Ireland.
