Pictures: Outgoing Kilkenny mayor signs off with whirlwind tour to honour 'incredible people'

Outgoing Mayor of Kilkenny Andrew McGuinness had a whirlwind tour of the city in his last 48 hours as mayor where he acknowledged the achievements of some ‘incredible people’.

Martin Brennan, founder of the Twilight Group, an organisation that focuses on community development and gives multiple supports to minority groups, elderly and vulnerable, was presented with a Mayor’s Award to acknowledge his outstanding dedication to the betterment of local communities through the Twilight Group. A separate award was presented to the Twilight Group to acknowledge their 10th anniversary.

At a meeting in the Orchard Bar, former Mayor McGuinness presented awards to members of the Kilkenny Storm ice hockey teams for representing Ireland in Canada and Michigan as part of the Irish Saints national ice hockey team.

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Maisie Rowe, a young lady who has done a lot of charity fundraising and who recently won a Garda Youth Award, got a surprise visit at her home and she was presented with an award to acknowledge her outstanding charity work and her determination to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Another person taken by surprise was founder of the Young Irish Film Makers, Mike Kelly, who recently celebrated his birthday. Cllr McGuinness presented him with a birthday gift to thank him for all of his work with young people in Kilkenny.
Visits were paid to the SOS, the School of the Holy Spirit, St John’s School where the departing mayor helped students raise the Amber Flag for their work on promoting positive mental health, Teac Tom, and to some supporters and friends.
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Grateful
“I really enjoyed my year as mayor, and I’m very grateful to the people of Kilkenny for welcoming me as their mayor and for including me in so many events throughout the year,” he said.

“Kilkenny is a fantastic place, we have so many incredible community groups and organisations and my favourite thing about being mayor was seeing all of their work first hand and doing my bit to help support and promote their efforts and to acknowledge their achievements. It was a fast year but one I will always remember.”