The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Al McDonnell, officiated at the announcement of the 2016 Mayo People of The Year Awards at a press reception last night (Wed) at Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar.

He said 14 individuals or groups will be presented with their accolades at the 24th annual gala banquet in Breaffy House Hotel, on Saturday, November 26.

The event, organised by the Mayo Rehab Group, Mayo County Council and The Connaught Telegraph, since its launch has raised in excess of €200,000 for service users of RehabCare at their headquarters in Castlebar.

The compere for the night will beHenry McGlade, of Irish TV and music will be supplied by The Brose Walsh Band.

 The 2016 recipients are:

Outstanding Sports Achievement Award

Nicholas Quinn the Olympic breaststroke swimmer who represented Ireland, Mayo and Castlebar at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Hall of Fame

Fr. Frank Fahey, Ballintubber Abbey 

Young People of the Year Award

Mayo Under-14 Girls Association Football Team

Michael Davitt International Award

Tony Hennigan, Manchester

Sports Club Award

Ballina Town Ladies Football Club

Gradam na Gaeilge Award 

Séamus Ó Dubhthaigh, Aghamore

Mayo Awards

Eamonn Keaveney the Claremorris teacher who broke the world record for the longest barefoot walk and raised almost €30,000 for Pieta House.

Newport Sea Angling Club who this year celebrate their 50th anniversary confirming its position as one of Ireland’s oldest sea fishing clubs.

George Lee, Kiltimagh, the founder and musical director of the Mayo Concert Orchestra who retired from the position this month.

Crossmolina-Bord na Mona-ESB Commemoration Committee - a group, consisting of 10 former Bord na Mona-ESB workers, who came together in September 2009 to acknowledge the contribution made by their fellow workers over 60 years in north Mayo.

Chris Barnicle and Group from Ballintubber who compiled the 360-page book ‘Ballintubber Families Down The Years’ - a study of Ballintubber families based on the 1911 census.

Richard Heraty, Catlebar, a special Olympics volunteer since 2001

Janet Hinchion, Claremorris who since 2008 has been working voluntary in the area of prevention and elimination of child labour in Kitui, Kenya.

Sisters Caroline McLoughlin and Jacqui McCormick for their work with the Mayo Parkinson’s Association.