‘Paudcast’ star Padraig O Callaghan is named Limerick Person of the Year

Padraig O Callaghan – The digital media star was announced as the winner of Limerick Person of the Year 2021 at a ceremony in the Clayton Hotel Limerick. Picture: Alan Place. 

Padraig O Callaghan joins an illustrious list of Limerick Person of the Year recipients 

‘Paudcast’ star Padraig O Callaghan has been named as Limerick Person of the Year for 2021.

The digital media star was announced as the winner at a ceremony in the Clayton Hotel Limerick, marking the first time in three years the event has been able to return to its usual format, where the monthly winners gathered to be formally honoured.

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Celebrating its 21st year and sponsored by The Limerick Leader, Southern Marketing Design & Media and the Clayton Hotel, and supported by Limerick City and County Council, the Limerick Person of the Year Award was set up to honour the achievements and success of local people at home and abroad.

Addressing the event with a special recorded message Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid tribute to the monthly winners.

“It’s been another extraordinary year for Ireland, a year when the solidarity, generosity and resilience of our people have been shown time and time again. Now again as we face another unprecedented humanitarian crisis caused by an abhorrent and immoral war on Ukraine, the people of Limerick and Ireland are responding magnificently.”

“We’ve seen that spirit exemplified through the actions and achievements of many of the nominees honoured today. I want to pay tribute to each one of you for the work you do to make your community in Limerick and the entire country a better and brighter place,” the Taoiseach said.

Speaking after being announced as Limerick Person of the Year 2021, Padraig O Callaghan said: “It’s absolutely sensational, I couldn’t believe it at first. I wasn’t expecting it at all.”

Padraig’s father Brian added: “For Padraig to share the same stage as others who are held in such high regard is phenomenal, and for him to win the award, I can’t actually put into words how proud I am of him and his achievements and all the other nominees.”

The 2020 Limerick Person of the Year Dr Catherine Motherway, who played a leading role in the response to Covid-19 pandemic, was the guest speaker at the ceremony.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Daniel Butler said: “The Limerick Person of the Year event once again showcases the amazing people we have across the city and county who do that little bit extra and help their communities and people in need. It is an amazing credit to each and every one of the monthly winners that you continued with your selfless spirit throughout what was a very difficult year.”

“Congratulations to each and every one of you and special congratulations to the overall Limerick Person of the Year, Padraig O’Callaghan. What you have done has helped so many people, young and old. Through your words, creativity and wit you have allowed us all to look at our lives at a slighted angle that will allow us to focus on the positives and deal with the pressures of life. You fully deserve being called Limerick Person of the Year.”

Donn O’Sullivan, Editor of the Limerick Leader said: “The Limerick Leader team is once again delighted to be part of the Limerick Person of the Year awards. The positivity, dedication and love for Limerick shown by the monthly winners is truly inspiring. To have the awards event, in person, back this year is also a cause for celebration. We have been through a tough time as a city and county, but events like this, which showcase the pride people have for Limerick, is a shining light for all.”

Past winners of the title include: Dr Catherine Motherway; Olympian Roisin Upton; philanthropist JP McManus; Limerick’s All-Ireland winning senior hurling team; world champion boxer Andy Lee; rugby star Paul O’Connell; Tidy Towns champion Helen O’Donnell, anti-bullying campaigner Luke Culhane and I Love Limerick’s own Richard Lynch. 

For other stories about Limerick Person of the Year, go HERE

For more information on Limerick Person of the Year, go HERE