21 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7
AWARDS The achievements of the hard of hearing are celebrated
MISSING
Hidden hearing heroes awards
Gardai ask for assistance
CLONDALKIN-based company, Hidden Hearing, has launched Ireland’s first awards initiative to highlight the achievements of those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Dr Nina Byrnes, TV presenter, and Clondalkin girl, Angel Kinahan, were present in St. Stephen’s Green to launch the Hidden Hearing Heroes Awards, created by Ireland’s premier hearing healthcare provider, Hidden Hearing, in association with the Irish Deaf Society, The competition is seeking nominations for those who are deaf or hard of hearing and have made a significant contribution to society, their community, workplace, family or through sporting excellence. Across eight categories,
members of the public can nominate their “hero” who, they feel, deserves to be recognised for an award, and nominees can also nominate themselves. Submissions can be made by email, post or by sign language through video. Award categories include a social contribution award, supporter award and lifetime achievement award.
Initiative Speaking at the launch of the Awards, Richard Lloyd Davies, Hidden Hearing, Killarney said: “The Hidden Hearing Heroes Awards is the first initiative in Ireland to focus on the achievements of those who are deaf or hard of hearing and their contribution to Irish society. “We want to highlight
that being deaf or hard of hearing doesn’t have to negatively impact your life, by showcasing the significant achievements from around the country. I’d encourage anyone who wants to nominate their ‘hero’ to log onto www. hiddenhearing.ie and tell us why they deserve an Award”. Discussing the Awards, Kevin Mulqueen, chairperson, Irish Deaf Society said: “We are delighted to be working with Hidden Hearing to celebrate the achievements of deaf and hard of hearing people. These Awards will create awareness about the deaf and hard of hearing community and I am delighted to be able celebrate their success and triumphs.” The awards will be handed out in categories, ranging from social contribution, workplace,
GARDAI at Ronanstow n Garda Station are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Mel O’Brien. Mel was last seen on July 8, 2011 at about --------------------------
‘He is described as being 5’ 8’’, 11 stone, with bleach-blond, tightly-shaved hair’ --------------------------
Angel Kinahan, from Clondalkin, and Dr. Nina Byrnes, TV health presenter, at the launch of Ireland’s first awards for the deaf or hard of hearing. Picture: Colm Mahady
youth and grandparents to sportsperson, supporter, media and lifetime achievement. Nominations can be submitted online at www.hiddenhearing.ie, by requesting a nomination form at awards@
hiddenhearing.ie or by filling out an entry form in Hidden Hearing’s 65 branches around the country. Video nominations with Irish sign language can also be submitted, which will be transcribed by the Irish
Deaf Society – contact awards@irishdeafsociety.ie or 01-8601878. The closing date for nominations is Friday, August 12, and the winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony in late August.
7.30 pm in Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Clondalkin. He is described as being 5’ 8’’, 11 stone, with bleach-blond, tightly-shaved hair. He has a pale complexion and is well built and athletic looking. Mel is believed to frequent the Ballybrack/ Dundrum area. Anyone with information is asked to contact Ronanstown Garda Station on 01 666 7700.