Ruby sparks at Cavan Crystal
Ballyjamesduff teen, Ruby O’Kelly, has scooped the overall Chairperson’s Award for her efforts to combat bullying among her peers.
The talented girl, who wrote a song and produced a music video, received the award at a ceremony in the Cavan Crystal Hotel last Friday evening; also coming top in her category on the night.
Ruby was presented with two beautiful hand-crafted crystal plaques and €1,000, which she chose to donate to Aoibheann’s Pink Tie - a children’s cancer charity.
A modest Ruby told The Anglo-Celt: “If I even tried to dream this night again, I could never get back the feeling of shock, when my name was announced.”
The Cathaoirleach, Madeleine Argue, who presented the award to Ruby, said: “Her song ‘You Won’t Stop Me’ is a powerful inspiration to young and old and a reminder of the importance of resilience and self-belief. Ruby has used her talents to improve the lives of countless people in Cavan and, indeed, across the globe. The selflessness and courage she has shown is what these awards are all about.”
Cllr Argue also congratulated all 31 nominees at the ceremony and praised their spirit of volunteerism. “They are a credit to themselves, to their communities, and to County Cavan,” she said.
It was an exciting week for the young student who was fresh from performing her own special version of ‘Grace’ for the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Niall Ring, and the first generation of the families of the 1916 rising in the Mansion House.
The Lord Mayor also presented her with a framed scroll to mark the occasion. “Nothing will ever beat singing in the famed Oak Room in Mansion House and having these amazing people sing along to ‘Grace’,” gushed Ruby.
And the invitations and plaudits just keep coming. Ruby recently received a letter from Áras an Uachtaráin on behalf of President Michael D Higgins praising her efforts to highlight and prevent all forms of bullying. She has been invited to attend and perform at a garden party at the Áras by President Higgins.
Ruby is also due to perform at the World Anti-Bullying Conference at City Hall in Dublin in June where she will perform in front of 700 people from 37 countries from around the world.
Minister Catherine Zappone, President Michael D Higgins and the Taoiseach will be in attendance.
Ruby has also appeared on the Daithí and Maura show at the RTÉ Studios in Cork.