Vicky Phelan crowned Kilkenny Person of the Year at the Newpark Hotel

Campaigner Vicky Phelan who shone a light onto and exposed the Cervical Check scandal which has adversely affected at least 221 women and their families has been announced at the overall winner at the Kilkenny People of the Year awards.

Over 200 people attended the ceremony at the Newpark Hotel.

Vicky Phelan, who is from Mooncoin in South Kilkenny said that she was 'absolutely thrilled' with the award.

"I want to thank in particular the people of Kilkenny - I really wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my local community in Kilkenny and in Mooncoin who have been absolutely fantastic to me over the past ten months.

"It goes to show the power of community when people get behind somebody - it really makes all the difference," she added.

Category winners this year included: Vicky Phelan (Courage), Graignamanagh Town of Books (Tourism), Dominic Hayes (Community Engagement), Billy's Tea Rooms (Community Rejevenation), Kilkenny Civic Trust (Heritage), Seamus Quigley (Volunterrism) and Michael Somers (Rural Development).

The Hall of Fame award was presented to the founding members of the No Name Club - Eddie Keher, Fr Tom Murphy and Eamon Doyle. 

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Amber Women's Refuge.