Geraldine's '˜invaluable' service is recognised

Geraldine was the prime mover in the formation of Banbridge Swimming Club and, from the early 1980s, she has coached children at every level, giving up hours of her time every week in order to improve their abilities.

In presenting the award for outstanding community service, Club President, Gerry McElvogue, said it was an honour for him to be able to make such a tangible recognition of the tremendous work Geraldine has carried out over so many years.

“It is no accident”, he said, “That our local club has achieved such success in Irish swimming.

“Geraldine has been the catalyst for that success and, as such, deserves our praise and thanks for a lifetime of service to the community, which continues to this day”.

In accepting the award, Geraldine said how honoured and humbled she felt. “All I have been doing was to try and give young people an interest in a sport which I love.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my involvement with swimming and I would just like to thank Banbridge Rotary Club most sincerely for giving me this award.

“It is something which I shall always cherish.”