FARNEY FOUNDATION
Co. Monaghan People of the Year Awards 2024
Farney Foundation is a non-profit entity that promotes and supports anyone and anything associated with Co. Monaghan all over the world.
Saturday 22nd February 2025 Hillgrove Hotel
SATURDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 2025
The Hillgrove Hotel
Black Tie & Evening Wear
* Drinks Reception
* Dinner Served at 7.00pm Sharp
* Awards Ceremony
* Music – The Fuzzy Burgers
* Dress Code : Black Tie
TICKETS €70
List Of Finalists
HOW TO VOTE
To vote for the overall Farney Foundation County Monaghan Person of the Year click on the link below.
Votes cost €1.00 per vote with approximately 70cent going to Farney Foundation who will in turn present a cheque to the 2024 Farney Foundation County Monaghan Person of the Year for a charity or cause of their choice.
Result
The overall Farney Foundation County Monaghan Person of the Year 2024 will be chosen by combining the number of unique individual votes received in the final vote, the total value of the votes received in the final vote, the vote they received in the first round, the reason for the nomination and the judge’s vote
Cars Bikes and Coffee Cars, Bikes and Coffee we're founded in the late summer of 2024 by Darren McQuillan and Paul Corr. Along with being a social outlet for car and bike enthusiasts, Cars, Bikes and Coffee has already raised thousands of euros for a number of local charities. On the third Sunday of the month the group meet up in the car park of the M TEK buildings adjacent to the Armagh Road in Monaghan Town. Appealing to young and old alike the venture provides a social outlet, in a safe environment for people to meet and greet and interact with like minded people. Admission is by donation, and so far local charities to benefit from the initiative include Monaghan Alzheimer's Association, LA519, Errigal Truagh special needs centre, Monaghan Palliative Care, with further beneficiaries to be announced going forward. Well done Cars Bikes and Coffee.
Daire Gorman, Tonniscoffey Thirteen year old Daire Gorman was born with an extremely rare condition called Crommelin, meaning he has no arms from the elbow down and is missing femur bones in both legs. Despite this, full time wheelchair user Daire, has a great outlook on life. For him 2024 has been an amazing year. Along with being invited by Jurgen Klopp, to meet his football heroes in Liverpool, and attending the IRFU training camp in Dublin, he was also chosen by his club, to play in the European Powerchair Football Tournament in Paris. He went on to star in an RTE documentary about his life and the daily challenges that he and his family face. He is currently a first year student in Castleblayney College, where his amazing personality has saw him become an inspiration to both his fellow students and the staff. Keep inspiring us Daire.
Janet Hill, Oram Janet Hill has been involved with Community Groups for a long number of years. Over the years, the mother of 3, has combined her full time job as a Community Employment Supervisor, with various voluntary roles in numerous organisations. Currently secretary of County Monaghan IFA, she has been part of Castleblayney Show Committee, Castleblayney Enterprise Centre, Muckno Select Vestry and Castleblayney Credit Union to name but a few. However, it is for her role as South Monaghan Coordinator for the Team Hope Christmas Shoe Box appeal that sees Janet nominated for the Farney Foundation County Monaghan People of the Year Awards. Thanks to her commitment almost 2000 Shoe Boxes were collected locally for the appeal. A big thank you Janet from everyone at Team Hope.
Heather Humphreys, Aghabog Heather Humphreys has played a leading role in Irish politics for many years. First elected as T.D. for Cavan Monaghan in 2011 she went on to hold various ministerial roles in subsequent administrations, while also rising to the position of Deputy Leader of Fine Gael. Her shock announcement that she was stepping away from politics prior to the 2024 General Election took everybody by surprise. Heather's commitment and support to her native County and it's people was second to none. Her legacy will remain long after 2024 will be forgotten. County Monaghan were blessed to have had Heather Humphreys as their representative on the local, national and international stage. Thank you Heather and happy retirement.
Aine Kerr, Dublin Áine Kerr is one of Ireland's leading entrepreneurs and broadcasters. A former Global Head of Journalism Partner at Facebook New York, Áine has worked for most of Ireland's broadsheet newspapers, hosts her own show 'Reignite' on RTE Radio One, and regularly guest hosts numerous other shows. Named as one of Ireland's top 100 people in tech in 2024, and her subsequent appointment as Chairperson of the Gaisce Council by President Higgins and appointments as Chairperson to several other High level organisations, Áine Kerr is a superb role model and ambassador for County Monaghan. Congratulations Áine Kerr.
Mary Lamb, Scotstown Mary Lamb is a keep fit enthusiast. In 2024 Mary decided to turn her hobby into much more. Following the death of her 34 years old nephew Ben, Mary set about raising funds for SOSAD, an organisation dependant on charitable donations to provide much needed support to families affected by suicide. As part of Monaghan Joggernutts , she organised and took part in numerous events throughout the year, including a three mountain climbing challenge in one day, a table quiz a midsummers night family friendly 5 km and couch to 5k program during the winter months and an art exhibition in Emy Lake House. All the events proved to be a major success, with over €21,000 euros raised for SOSAD and many people getting fit and looking after their physical and mental health in the process. Well done Mary
Mairead Liston, London Mairead Liston has been a leading light for Monaghan People in London for a long number of years. Originally from outside Castleblayney, the career nurse, has played a lead role in both the nursing field and the promotion of her native County Monaghan for over four decades. One of the lead coordinators for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in London, and a supporter of numerous charities, Mairead continues to fly the flag for the Monaghan Association in London on a daily basis. Having received several awards for outstanding levels of care and achievements within the health care industry, in 2024 she was awarded the Freedom of London; and becomes as far as we know the first Monaghan Lady to have had such a prestigious award bestowed on them. Mairead Liston is most definitely a Monaghan Person to be proud of.
Martin Maguire, Crocus, Monaghan Martin Maguire is one of the few people who have beaten cancer twice. First diagnosed in 2017, and despite his initial reluctance to talk about his experience, he came to find the Crocus Centre a great source of comfort and support. So much so, that he set out on a journey to give something back to the organisation. The annual Christmas Concert that he helped establish has raised in the region of €50,000 to date for the Monaghan Crocus Centre. He also set up the Mens Den, and has embarked on many initiatives to raise awareness around cancer and men's health in general. He is also the driving force behind the Crocus Transport Scheme, which saw the local Centre, become one of the first in Ireland to purchase their own car, to bring members to and from their medical appointments in any hospital. Well done Martin.
Colm McEneaney, Carrickmacross Colm McEneaney is a Carrickmacross legend. A self confessed sports nut, Colm has been involved in sport all his life, and is currently a Fitness Coach with Carrick Fitness Centre. Constantly looking for new challenges, in 2024 Colm undertook a 24 Burpee challenge to raise Mental awareness, and also to raise vital funds for mental health support services having spent a year working in health care with people affected by acquired brain injuries. The challenge proved a major success and Colm raised vital funds for the Mental Health Charities. Fair dues Colm
Elizabeth McGuinness, Mad About Monaghan Elizabeth McGuinness has been a strong advocate of County Monaghan all her life. Under the Mad About Monaghan banner she has travelled the world promoting her native County and the hidden gems within. Through her initiative, many people have come to visit County Monaghan, and she has had a major impact on the growth of the tourism industry which has become so beneficial to the local economy. A week long Monaghan expose on RTE NATIONWIDE and successes for Monaghan in The Irish Times Best Place to live in Ireland can be listed among Elizabeth's achievements. Following Showcase Monaghan €15,000 was donated to the Mater Hospital, and in April 2025 a new Monaghan County Anthem will be launched. Elizabeth's enthusiasm fails to wain, and her passion for her locality is evident to everyone who had met her. Always coming up with new ideas, Mad about Monaghan has helped her showcase Monaghan on the world stage.
Shane McGuirk, Aughnamullen Shane McGuirk's achievements in 2024 have been truly remarkable. The Aughnamullen native has joined the ranks or one of Ireland's greatest ever sports people. Having qualified for the World Darts Federation Championship by virtue of winning The Irish Darts Open, Shane went on to win the title and in doing so, not only became the first Monaghan person, he also became the first Irish person to win a World Darts title. To see the previous list of winners names on the trophy, names like Eric Bristow, Jockey Wilson, Kieth Deller, the height of Shane's achievement becomes abundantly clear. Congratulations Shane McGuirk.
Wallace Family, Sunflower Field, Castleshane The Wallace Family, Sunflower Field was one of the most unique ventures in Ireland in 2024. The brainchild of Maynard Gray, the venture saw the Wallace Family plant a Field of Sunflowers on the 10th May 2024. After Mother Nature had done her job, the Field was opened to the public on Monday August 12th 2024 at 4pm. Over the weeks that followed, thousands of visitors flocked to the venue, to walk among the Sunflowers, have picnics and to take flowers home with them. Admission was by donation at the entrance, and to the surprise of all involved, the initial investment of €300 which was sponsored by the Wallace Family, culminated in raising €50,024, which was evenly donated to Monaghan Cavan Palliative Care and Braddox Hall Fund. It is the largest donation that Monaghan Cavan Palliative Care has ever received to date. Congratulations to Maynard Gray and The Wallace Family for their initiative in 2024.
HOW TO VOTE
To vote for the overall Farney Foundation County Monaghan Person of the Year click on the link below.
Votes cost €1.00 per vote with approximately 70 cent going to Farney Foundation who will in turn present a cheque to the 2024 Farney Foundation County Monaghan Person of the Year for a charity or cause of their choice.
Result
The overall Farney Foundation County Monaghan Person of the Year 2024 will be chosen by combining the number of unique individual votes received in the final vote, the total value of the votes received in the final vote, the vote they received in the first round, the reason for the nomination and the judge’s vote
Tickets
To book tickets call 0870031444 or email farneyfoundation@gmail.com
Tickets are now available for purchase
Tickets can be bought individually at €70 each or a table for 10 at €700.
Sponsors
Shabra
Monaghan Credit Union
Ballinode Seafood
Lowey Transport
Northern Standard
Northern Sound Radio
Coyle Complete
Farney Foundation Supporters
Monaghan County Council
Monaghan IFA
Adrian and Roisin Campbell, Killanny
Farney Foundation Finalist Well-wishers
HOW TO NOMINATE
To nominate someone or a group/business text your nomination to 087 0031444 or email farneyfoundation@gmail.com
Send us the name of the person or group/business you want to nominate.
To vote for someone who has already been nominated text 087 0031444 or email farneyfoundation@ gmail.com
Send the word ‘VOTE’ followed by the name of the person or group/ business you want to vote for.
Nominations and first round voting ends at 5pm on Friday 31st January 2025.
Final 12 will be announced on Tuesday 4th February 2025.
List Of Nominees So Far
- Shane McGurk, Aughnaullen
- Leona Hughes, Glaslough
- Janet Hill, Castleblaney
- Valerie Campbell, Monaghan
- Pat Lennon, Latton
- Stephen McKenna, Smithboro
- Anne Marie McArdle, Carrickmacross
- Mary Lamb, Monaghan Joggernutts
- Chris McAree, Monaghan
- Karen Keenan, Eurospar, Carrickmacross
- Liam Smyth & Sons, Ballybay
- Conor McManus, Clontibret
- Pauline Grogan, Tullycorbett Community Development Association
- Daire Gorman, Tonniscoffey
- Mairead Liston, Monaghan Association, London
- Oram Community Group
- Combilift, Monaghan
- Monaghan Men’s Shed
- Cars, Bike & Coffee, Monaghan
- Jamie Duffy, Glaslough
- Cathy Bennett, Scotstown
- Mary Byrne, Castleblaney
- Patrick McCormick, Threemilehouse
- Pamela Sheridan, Aughnamullen
- Martina Murray, CFR, Castleblaney & Monaghan
- Kayleigh Trappe, Monaghan
- Leslie Hannon, Castleblaney
- Fergal McMahon, Monaghan
- Ian Fee, Lakeland Crematorium
- Elizabeth McGuinness, Mad About Monaghan
- Helen Drumm, Monaghan
- Aine Kerr, Monaghan
- Feile, Patrick Byrne, Carrickmacross
- Camilla Dempsey, Latton
- Colm McEnaney, Carrickmacross
- Paula Treanor, Tydavnet
- Dr. Alphonsus Kennedy, Monaghan
- Jack McCarron, Scotstown
- Wallace Family, Sunflower Field 2024 Castleshane
- Edel Sweeney, Monaghan
- Patricia Caldwell, Monaghan
- Chanel Geoghegan, Clones
- Martin Maguire, Crocus Monaghan
- Heather Humphreys, Aghabog
- Francis McMahon, Tullycorbett
- Linda Moore, Cuchulainn Blood Bikes
- Catherine Flood, Aisling Centre, New York
- Pete Reid, London Irish & Annyalla, Castleblaney
Award Rules
Eligibilty
Anyone who has, or who has ever had, a connection with County Monaghan is eligible to be nominated.
They can be nominated for their achievements, their contribution to society or for the obstacles they have overcome that makes them a Monaghan person to be proud of.
Some of the people nominated have requested that their names be removed from the list of nominees for personal reasons . If a name you have nominated is missing from this list, this is most likely the reason why.
The final 12 will be announced on Tuesday 4th February on Northern Sound, the Farney Foundation website and also the Farney Foundation Facebook page. All nominees will be published in next week’s edition of the Northern Standard with details of how to vote for the overall Farney Foundation County Monaghan Person of the Year 2024
Rules
- To be eligible for the final 12, nominees must be available to attend the Gala Ball in the Hillgrove Hotel on Saturday February 22nd 2025
- A nominee who knowingly or falsely declares their availability to attend the Gala Ball in the Hillgrove Hotel on Saturday February 22nd 2025 will be disqualified from receiving an award.
- Each of the 12 finalists will receive 2 complementary tickets to the Farney Foundation County Monaghan People of the Year Awards Gala Ball in the Hillgrove Hotel on Saturday 22nd February 2025. Along with being crowned the Farney Foundation County Monaghan Person of the Year 2024, the overall award recipient will also receive a cheque for the charity/cause of their choice from Farney Foundation from monies raised by this event.
- The 12 nominees will be chosen on a combination of the reason for their nomination and the public votes that they receive.
- The decision of the judges (consisting of 2 media representatives in the county, one Farney Foundation representative and two judges from outside of the county) is final.
- Farney Foundation reserve the right to amend the rules without prior notice.
Sponsors
If your company would like to sponsor an award on the night, please contact Farney Foundation directly. All support is greatly appreciated.