Lollipop lady’s traffic stopping performance
Ann O'Dea at the pedestrian crossing outside St Patrick's Junior school. Ms O'Dea won the inaugral Woman's Way, 'local hero award'.
Ann O’Dea has been named the inaugural Woman’s Way ‘Local Hero’ for her service as lollipop lady at the crossing for St John of God’s girls primary school and St Patrick’s boys school, Kilkenny.
Described as a pillar of the community by parents and the school authorites alike, Ann has helped thousands of children to safely cross the road in her 17 years as local lollipop lady. A difficult task as she is dealing with almost 600 children daily as they cross one of Kilkenny’s busiest roads.
Nominated by Nora Dooley whose daughter, Ann, has been keeping safe while crossing the road for six and a half years - “She is very well thought of by everyone – the school authorities, the pupils and the parents. She has a good word for everyone and is very caring and takes pride in her work.”
Speaking following her selection as the first Woman’s Way ‘Local Hero’ Ms O’Dea made it clear that she loves her work “It’s very satisfying working with the kids and with the parents and staff in both schools. I love the kids, they’re wonderful,” she said.
The editor of the magazine Aine Toner said ‘Woman’s Way feel there are many heroes in local communities whose hard work and dedication to their communities often goes unsung. There are many people working to make their communities a better place by giving a helping hand to neighbours, volunteering or tirelessly raising money for charity, so by featuring these ‘Local Hero’s’ each month in Woman’s Way we are giving them the pat on the back they deserve’
Not only will Ann feature in the latest issue of Woman’s Way she also receives a €100 voucher from Lidl in addition to the Lidl Cookbook ‘Home Cooking’.
To nominate your ‘Local Hero’ all you have to do is write in to Woman’s Way and tell them about a person you think goes above and beyond for their community. (Email awilliams@harmonia.ie or Woman’s Way, Harmonia, Rosemount House, Dundrum Road, Dublin 14) Each month one ‘Local Hero’ from around Ireland will be selected.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Weather for Kilkenny
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.