Walkin named Mayo Person of the Year

PROUD MOMENT?John Walkin is the new Mayo Person of the Year.

Walkin named Mayo Person of the Year


Ciara Galvin

BALLINA man John Walkin has been named Mayo Person of the Year for 2014. John, a well-known angling enthusiast and former President of Ballina Chamber of Commerce told The Mayo News he was ‘delighted with the news’ after nearly 50 years involvement in sporting clubs, angling organisations, Ballina Chamber of Commerce and ‘bad health thrown in for good measure’.
Speaking before the press reception held at the Burlington Hotel, Dublin last night (Monday), Mr Walkin said he looked upon the award as an honour for himself, his wife Colette, his family and Ballina.
Walkin played a major role in turning Ballina into the salmon capital of Ireland and served as Chairman of the North Western Regional Fisheries Board for 15 years, and as Chairman of Ireland West Regional Tourism authority.
Mr Walkin, who owns an angling shop in Ballina, held the position of President of Ballina Chamber of Commerce on two occasions.  This year’s Meitheal Award goes to the organisers of a Mayoral fundraising campaign for St Attracta’s NS in Charlestown, who raised 50,000 for the school over a six week period.
The Mayo Person of the Year and Meitheal awards are organised by the Mayo Association in Dublin. The awards will be presented at a gala banquet in Dublin on Saturday, February 8.