Kildare volunteers honoured at Vision Ireland’s Vision Star Awards

Ellen O Sullivan from Naas and Stephen Coleman from Maynooth recognised at first-ever Vision Star Awards

Vision Ireland celebrated the outstanding contributions of volunteers across the country at its inaugural Vision Star Awards. Two dedicated volunteers from Kildare were among those honoured: Stephen Coleman from the Maynooth store, who received the Reliability Rockstar Award, and Ellen O Sullivan from the Naas store, who was presented with a Special Recognition Award by Joe Neville, Mayor of Kildare, for her exceptional service.

The Reliability Rockstar Award celebrates volunteers who provide unwavering support and dedication to their teams, and Stephen Coleman exemplifies this. His commitment to being a dependable resource for the Maynooth store, regardless of the challenges, made him a standout choice for the award.

Speaking about his win, Stephen Coleman said, "It’s an honour to receive the Reliability Rockstar Award. Volunteering at the Maynooth store has been an incredible experience, and it means a lot to be recognised for my contribution. I’m proud to be part of the Vision Ireland team."

Meanwhile, Ellen O Sullivan from the Naas store was awarded a Special Recognition Award for her long-standing service and dedication to the Vision Ireland community. Presented by Joe Neville, Mayor of Kildare, the award acknowledges Ellen’s remarkable contributions and the positive impact she has made over the years.

Ellen O Sullivan expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am so grateful to receive this Special Recognition Award. Volunteering has always been close to my heart, and it’s been a joy to support Vision Ireland and be part of the Naas store team for so many years."

Gerard Lyons, Kildare Area Manager, praised both Stephen and Ellen, commenting, "Stephen and Ellen are both incredible volunteers who embody the spirit of Vision Ireland. Stephen’s reliability and dedication have been instrumental to the Maynooth store’s success, and Ellen’s years of service in Naas have left a lasting legacy. We’re extremely proud of both of them, and today’s awards are a fitting tribute to their hard work and commitment."

Aaron Mullaniff, Chief Services Officer of Vision Ireland, highlighted the vital role volunteers play, stating, "Our volunteers are the core reason that Vision Ireland can reach the 296,000 people living with visual impairment or blindness across Ireland. It is through their commitment, passion, and dedication that we can offer our essential services. This event is crucial to remind our volunteer heroes that everyone in services recognises and deeply appreciates everything they do."

The Vision Star Awards marks the start of an annual tradition for Vision Ireland, celebrating the commitment and dedication of volunteers across the country. For those interested in volunteering and making a difference, Vision Ireland offers many opportunities to get involved. Learn more at https://vi.ie/supporting-​us/volunteer/ or call into your nearest Vision Ireland store for a cup of tea and a chat.