What can only be described as a fantastic occasion took place at The Fr McGrath centre in the Butts area of Kilkenny last week. Children and adults as well as staff from the centre gathered at the centre to acknowledge one man in particular. Also present was Kilkenny’s first citizen, Mayor Andrew McGuinness, with a framed ‘Mayors Award’.
“He’s here”, came the call and all went quiet. Enter Michael Clifford. You hear about a hare caught in the headlights. Such was the case here. Clifford had been brought to the centre , as he thought, to discuss future planning for the area. It had shades of Eamon Andrews stepping out from a doorwayto his unsuspecting guest to say ‘This is your life’
Possibly for Michael Clifford, it was the first time he was actually stuck for words. Those gathered joined in the applause and none more so than Michaels family which included his wife Statia and their children Jenny, and grandchild Harry, Tara, and Amy. (Michael was missing due to work commitments. And it was obvious from all in the room that that Michael Clifford, who has spent the last 30 years as youth worker with the Fr. McGrath Family Resource Centre is held in the highest esteem.`Michael is of course well known in the area of sport, particularly in soccer and handball. And he has many trophies including All Ireland ones to prove it.
His four children who are also renowned across Kilkenny for their sporting skills, Jenny, Tara and youngest daughter, Amy (who is also a trainee youth worker in the Fr. McGrath Centre) and their son Michael Jnr, ‘Mikie’.
Speaking at the event, Director of Services, Stephen Murphy said it was an absolute delight tosee Michael Clifford presented with such a prestigious award. Stephen thanked Mayor Andrew on behalf of their voluntary Board and the Fr. McGrath Centre and Mick’s team colleagues for the well deserved honour, awarded to Michael. “In his role as our youth worker for over 30 years, Mick has had a major influence on hundreds and hundreds of children in the Butts and in Kilkenny, and I hope such is the case for years to come”,said Mr Murphy.
Stephen went on to say that above all else it was Michaels kindness that stands out making him a priceless asset to the Family Resource Centre and the After School and Youth Services team. ‘
Michael and his wife Statia also had a life time of volunteering and supporting community children’s sports.
Mayor Andrew McGuinness spoke of the wonderful work being done at the Fr McGrath Centre and indeed the Butts area.” I am thrilled to present this award and to thank Michael and the team for their contribution to the community”, said the Mayor. Andrew went on to say that the Butts area was a very proud community and was a shining example of people getting togetherto achieve a goal. “The Community hall and the Fr McGrath centre are wonderful examples of what can be achieved when a community comes together”, said Mayor McGuinness.
Michael Clifford told the Observer newspaper that he was surprised but delighted to receive the Mayors award. “It’s like everything”,said Michael, “It is about so many people and certainly not just me. There is a great team here at the centre and we all work well together. And of course I have a great wife and family with me”, concluded Michael.
