A Rural View: Peadar Ó Brádaigh

At this time of year, or more specifically year's end, every media outlet worth its salt will rake over the ashes of the previous twelve months, generally concentrating on international or world-shattering events and of course with sporting matters coming close to the top of all lists. Great debates will surround such awards as sports persons of the year followed by actors, authors, academics, broadcasters and whatever you're having yourself. It would appear to me however that one group of people do not get the kudos and honour which they once did. I refer to the genuine and deeply committed voluntary work who often operate in small communities out of the limelight and, very importantly, with no monetary or other reward for their efforts. In the days before television and then the internet came to dominate so much of our lives it appears to me, unless my memory is playing tricks, that not alone every county in Ireland but parishes, half parishes, villages, towns and GAA clubs had Community Worker of the Year and any other title that could be thought up for the purpose of honouring someone who had given outstanding service to the community in the previous twelve months. There was also an added reason that a major function would be organised to announce the winner. This was that all profits from the night would go to the cause for which the winner was working. For more, see this week's Celt...