Helen is hailed as a local champion

A SKIBBEREEN business woman who gives tirelessly of her time to a variety of local charitable and community organisations has been honoured with a Mayoral Community Award.

Helen Dempsey was hailed as ‘a local voluntary champion’ for the work she does with the Skibbereen and District Chamber of Commerce, as well as the area president for St Vincent de Paul conferences in Skibbereen, Bantry, Clonakilty, Dunmanway and Bandon.

Since she was appointed as chairperson of the Skibbereen Chamber two years ago, Helen has done a huge amount of work to promote the economic and social development of the town, as well as help to make it a better place in which to live, work and do business.

Helen is also the driving force behind many of its events, including the St Patrick’s Day Parade and the Skibbereen Walking Festival, which has helped to boost the tourism season and give focus to Skibbereen as an activity destination.

Another West Cork winner in the Mayor’s Community Awards was the Lusitania Museum Old Head Signal Tower, which was presented with the heritage award, while the Castletownkinneigh Ladies Club in Enniskeane was presented with the group award.