Brendan Gleeson, Rhasidat Adeleke among recipients of Lord Mayor Award

RTÉ News​

23-05-2025

Brendan Gleeson and Rhasidat Adeleke were among several people who received awards from the Lord Mayor of Dublin at a ceremony tonight.
The event is held every year to honour citizens of Dublin who have made a real difference.
It recognises the achievements of both individuals and groups across all sectors.
Some well-known faces and proud Dubliners were among the recipients.
Brendan Gleeson, who has won many awards during his career, said as "a Dub" this means a lot.
"To get an award from your home city," he said with a smile, adding: "There is a need to get more positive about the place."
He commended the positivity of the Lord Mayor Emma Blaine in her role. He said while there is no honours list in Ireland in terms of knighthood, "which is no harm", this is a way of society saying to people "you are not unseen" and recognising "the goodness in people" and work happening in the city.
Former Ireland international Johnny Sexton, who also received an award, said it is very special to be honoured in this way. "l think it's a very proud room," he said.
He also said his children were delighted to be at the event and getting to sit next to Brendan Gleeson who starred in Harry Potter.
Lord Mayor Emma Blaine said the areas of particular interest to her were recognising dementia awareness and women and girls in sport.
"I have a couple of recipients tonight that represent those goals and ideals beautifully," she said.
Rhasidat Adeleke was one of those given an award in recognition of her achievements in athletics and her role in inspiring a new generation of young female athletes.
The 22-year-old's mother accepted her award on her behalf as the Dublin athlete remains focused on training in the US and breaking running records.
As well as acknowledging incredible talent, the seven awards presented tonight were focused on recognising the extraordinary work done by people in different ways.
Two brothers Allen and Jay Bobinac who are originally from Croatia were honoured for their dedication to helping the homeless in Dublin city.
Accepting their award they described the excitement around this event being almost like the Oscars.
Úna Crawford O'Brien accepted an award for her and her partner Bryan Murray who were acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to the arts, on stage and on screen, and for raising awareness of dementia.
Isobel Henderson was given a posthumous award for her outstanding service and dedication to the Girls' Brigade Ireland.
Another important award was given to Team Power of 1 in recognition of their achievement in the World's Toughest Row and for raising awareness and funds for Heart Children Ireland and Children's Heart Centre - CHI Crumlin in memory of Saoirse O'Driscoll.