Local boy honoured at awards
Cavan boy Billy Lord (12) was celebrated at the recent Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards.
Billy was the youngest nominee on the night and one of four nominated in the Young Humanitarian of the Year category.
While he was not the overall winner on the night, his notable achievement- cycling 123km from Dublin to Cavan to fundraise for Cavan's Cuan Cancer Support Centre, which helped his mother and family during her cancer diagnosis- was celebrated by keynote speaker, Tánaiste Simon Harris.
The Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards shine a light on the positive impact of individuals, community groups and businesses, who use their passion, skills and volunteering to improve lives, reduce suffering and give a voice to humanitarian issues in Ireland and abroad.
The presentation was held on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day marking the birthday of Henry Dunant, founder of the world’s largest humanitarian movement and the recipient of the very first Nobel Peace Prize.
“The nominees for the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards represent the very best of us,” said the Tánaiste. “They live the values of decency and compassion that are at the heart of what it means to be Irish. In a world where humanitarianism is so desperately needed, their efforts should inspire us all. I congratulate the nominees and thank the Irish Red Cross movement for their humanitarian work in Ireland, Gaza, Ukraine and around the world. I would like to mention our youngest nominee, 12 year old Billy Lord from Cavan who cycled 123KM from Dublin to Cavan - quite incredible Billy - well done.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award, selected by the Board of the Irish Red Cross, was meanwhile presented to former President of Ireland, Mrs. Mary Robinson.
On receiving the award, Mrs. Robinson said: “This is an honour I appreciate deeply. It was during my international work that I really understood the role that the Red Cross movement plays in the most difficult circumstances. I really want to wish the Red Cross in Ireland and globally all the courage, resilience and stamina that is required to continue to always be there on the side of humanity in this difficult world.”