Awards

The Nessa O’Neill Award

Nessa O’Neill was a founding Trustee of the Irish Youth Foundation (UK) when it was established in 1989, leading the fundraising committee and organising the annual ball and other events in the early days with great energy and verve. In 1998 she was instrumental in the launch of the Women’s Irish Network with Lady Hatch (Mary Clancy). Nessa sadly died in April 2009, after a bravely-fought battle with cancer, and is much missed by all of us. Last year we inaugurated a special annual award in her honour to commemorate Nessa’s remarkable achievements and to acknowledge her considerable contribution over the years to the Irish Youth Foundation (UK). Nessa’s family agreed the following criteria which they felt best represented her exceptional attributes and talents as a fundraiser:

Innovative: Someone who has used their imagination and made creative use of original or adapted ideas and methods

Inspirational: Someone who inspires in their leadership, in pursuit of whatever goal, and who galvanises action within an organisation

Enterprising: Someone who comes up with new ways of raising funds or support, especially from non-traditional sources, while still controlling costs

Effective: Someone who has made a positive contribution

The family have commissioned a special piece by young Irish sculptor, Naomi Jobson, from Sligo which will be presented to the winner later in the year.

You can see the list of nominees here and vote for them via our online form or by downloading the nomination form.

Closing date for nominations: 19^th September 2011