People of the Year Awards 2008

The People of the Year Awards, organised by Rehab and sponsored by QUINN-healthcare, provide a unique opportunity for the Irish public to honour outstanding contributions by individuals to life on the island. Nominations are welcomed on an all-island basis.

Each year members of the public nominate people who have enhanced the quality of life in Ireland, increased civic pride, or through acts of bravery have touched the lives of the community.

The list of winners since the awards began in 1975 reads like a who's who of Irish life over more than a quarter of a century. John Hume, Padraig Harrington, Mo Mowlam, Brian Keenan, Veronica Guerin, Sir Bob Geldof, Seamus Heaney and Maeve Binchy are just some of the previous award winners.

But in addition to these household names, a particular focus of the event is the "unsung heroes" who have made a difference at community level.

The award recipients are chosen from the public nominations by adjudicators comprising leading members of the media, business, public service and community sectors.



(Winners of the People of the Year Awards 2008)

QUINN-healthcare were proud to sponsor The People of the Year Awards for the second year, on September 13th. This glitzy awards ceremony was held at the CityWest Hotel, Dublin and was hosted by Gráinne Seoige. The People of the Year Awards recognise talented and courageous individuals and organisations who have made a remarkable contribution to life in their local community, Irish society or internationally.

Donal Clancy, General Manager of QUINN-healthcare and Barry McGuigan presented awards to Ireland's 2008 Olympic medal winners, Kenny Egan, Darren Sutherland and Paddy Barnes.

Keith Duffy was presented with an award for his commitment to raising awareness and funds for children with autism and Fr Shay Cullen received the International Person of the Year award for his work with abused children in Thailand. Joe Dolan received a posthumous award for his contribution to the Irish music industry. An Tanaiste, Mary Coughlan TD, was guest of honour for the evening. The event broadcast live on RTE and was a great success.

"We are proud to be part of these awards that each year pay recognition to members of the public who have enhanced quality of life in Ireland, increased civic pride or who, through acts of bravery have touched the lives of the community."

(Sean Quinn, Chairman, QUINN Group)