Mullingar volunteers celebrated

Volunteers from Cara Phort Ballynacargy joined representatives of communities throughout the Midlands on Wednesday last, at the Dean Egan library in Ballymahon.They were celebrating the achievements of the many volunteers making a difference in their communities.Attending the event, organised by the Midlands Support Agency, were volunteers from Family Resource Centres (FRCs) from Arden View in Tullamore, Battery Heights in Athlone, Bridgeways in Ballymahon, Cara Phort in Ballynacargy, the Family Life Centre Boyle, Clara, Lus Na Greine in Granard, and Knockmay in Portlaoise.The event was addressed by John Lonergan, Governor of Mountjoy Prison, who outlined his appreciation of the outstanding contribution, which volunteers in the eight FRCs in the Midlands, make to their projects, local communities and Irish society as a whole. Speaking of the importance of volunteers John commented that: 'There is a need to value the work that is volunteered, not just in terms of recognising the effort but the financial value to communities and society which is not acknowledged. Volunteering is at the very core of society"s survival. It is the opportunity to serve your fellow beings and what that gives back to the giver in terms of personal growth and development, learning and experience, is extremely important to the development of our society.'Manager of Midlands Support Agency Gerry Doherty, commented: 'We are delighted to provide this exciting opportunity for people in the Midlands to exchange their experience and learning and to recognise the achievements of hundreds of local volunteers.'