Deadline nears for People of the Year nominations

Derry Journal editor, Arthur Duffy pictured with Stephen Gillespie ,Director of Business & Culture, Derry City & Strabane District Council in the Guildhall at the launch of the Derry Journal People of the Year Awards 2016. DER2016GS010

Due to demand, the ‘Derry Journal’ has extended the deadline for nominees in the annual ‘People of the Year Awards.’

The hugely successful awards pay homage to the unsung heroes and inspirational organisations in the ‘Journal’s’ circulation area who have gone that extra mile for the people they encountered and who have made a real difference to their community and their city.

Deadline for submitted entries for the awards, which celebrates Derry’s champions in the fields of community, education, business, sport, health, arts and culture, was put back to August 4th, giving the Derry public a little more time to put their champions forward.

This is the third year of the new-look awards and the first two ceremonies proved to be runaway successes.

In 2014, the ‘Journal’ took on the task of acknowledging the city’s unsung heroes from the late Martin McCrossan; and last year a new award was introduced in memory of Mr McCrossan, who had done so much to champion the city’s tourism and hospitality sector, as well as raising substantial sums for charity.

Fourteen award categories cover all aspects of community life in the city.

They celebrate contributions to arts and culture, community, tourism, sport and volunteering, as well as championing the efforts of carers, educators and business people and recognising the very best of our emergency services.

There is also an award for Inspirational Young Talent and Outstanding Bravery as well as a special Lifetime Achievement accolade.

The judging process will be carried out by an independent panel, with some awards being decided by a readers’ vote via the ‘Derry Journal.’

Anyone can make a nomination regardless of whether it is for themselves, a family member, friend, colleague or member of the public.

Those wishing to nominate people can visit our facebook page, or the dedicated Derry People of the Year Awards’ facebook page - www.facebook.com/events/1826627857567010

Or you can pick up a form from the ‘Derry Journal’ office. The closing date for return of nominations is August 4th, 2016.

The Derry Journal ‘People of the Year Awards 2016 ‘ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 8, at the Everglades Hotel.