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Katie Hannon.
RTE journalist Katie Hannon has been selected as the 2023 Kerry Person of the Year while two Radio Kerry sports broadcasters have also been honoured by the Kerry Association in Dublin.
Ambrose O’Donovan and Tim Moynihan were selected to receive the Laochra Chiarraí award which recognises exemplary leadership in community activity in the county.
The announcements were made on Radio Kerry this morning. Both awards will be presented at the Association’s annual Oíche Chiarraí which will be held in the Louis Fitzgerald hotel, Dublin on Saturday, October 14.
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The Kerry Person of the Year award, now in its 42nd year, recognises an individual who has shown leadership, brought honour to the county, and performed services for the county to such an extent that could be described as beyond the norm of everyday life.
During her tribute to Katie Hannon, a native of Duagh, the Cathaoirleach of the Kerry Association in Dublin, Mary Shanahan, said; “this award is presented in recognition of the valuable contribution Katie has made to public service broadcasting”.
She made particular reference to Katie’s work on exposing allegations of sexual assault of women in the Irish Defence Forces in a special programme ‘Saturday with Katie Hannon’ in 2021, entitled ‘Women of Honour’.
Following this exposure, a Government investigation was established and all 13 recommendations in the final report, published in March 2023, were accepted in full by the Government.
Michael O’Regan, President of the Kerry Association said; “The awards recognise the exceptional contribution made by the recipients to the broader community in the public service and sporting areas”.
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Katie said; “I am absolutely thrilled to be selected KerryPerson of the Year. I have always been so proud of my Kerry roots. This is such a lovely surprise. I am humbled and honoured.”
Ambrose O’Donovan and Tim Moynihan.
Ambrose O’Donovan and Tim Moynihan were selected as the 2023 Laochra Chiarraí award winners in recognition of the enormous contribution they have made to the lives of Kerry people at home and abroad, with their lively, informative, entertaining and passionate Radio Kerry broadcasts of Kerry league and championship matches.
Their contribution was more valuable than ever this year when many could not access live TV broadcasts due to the introduction of the subscription-based sports channel GAA-GO featuring live and on-demand Gaelic games.
Tim said; “I am privileged to represent Radio Kerry in a position that carries a huge amount of responsibility. Kerry football means so much to the people of Kerry and beyond. It’s fortunate that I also work with Ambrose, a former Kerry captain, that not unlike myself, wears his heart on his sleeve.”
“We endeavour to tell the true story of what’s happening inside those white lines. It’s about bringing the listeners to pitch side. Our responsibility is to be their eyes and ears for the duration of the game. Being selected for this award is really special as it’s from our own people. This prestigious accolade is as much for our listeners/supporters as it’s for ourselves,” he said.
Tickets for Oíche Chiarraí can be purchased either securely online or from the Association.
Tickets can be purchased online from the Association’s website, www.kerryassociation.ie (at news and events section, purchase tickets) at €85 (€80 and €5 booking fee).
Alternatively, they can be purchased from the Association’s Treasurer, Marion Walsh (email marionwalsh10@gmail.com, telephone 0872832018) or any of the Committee at €80 before Friday 22nd September.
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