The ICSH Board Member Award was first awarded in 2007 and aims to recognise the outstanding contributions made by voluntary board members to the voluntary housing sector and their communities.
There are approximately 2,000 voluntary board members within the Voluntary Housing Sector and this award aims to celebrate individuals who have made a hugely positive contribution as a Board Member to the provision of social housing in Ireland.
The award recognises the outstanding contribution of the short listed individuals who have worked tirelessly in their communities over and above the call of duty.
The 2011 award was sponsored by Fold TeleCare.
The overall winner of the award was John D. Carroll, former Chairman of HAIL (Housing Association for Integrated Living).
Photo: Deputy Mayor of Galway City, Frank Fahy; Mr. John D. Carroll, former Chairman of HAIL and Mr. Gene Clayton, ICSH President.
John D. Carroll became chairman of HAIL in 1986 and retired in May 2011 after 25 years service. After HAIL was established, within 2 years, 8 properties were purchased, refurbished and tenants from mental health hostels were given a home.
With John’s guidance, over the years HAIL has gone on to acquire over 200 units, providing accommodation and visiting supports, completely instrumental in the development and expansion of HAIL. He has also overseen the expansion of the association into settlement and support services now being provided into other tenures across 3 Local Authorities. He has formed strategic partnerships with other housing providers and been involved in fundraising efforts not just for HAIL but for many other charitable causes.
He now hands over to a new chair a tradition of the highest governance and ethical standards, and best and innovative practice in collaborative working.
Due to the exceptionally high standard of nominations this year, a number of nominees were awarded special commendations in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the voluntary housing sector. These special commendations were awarded to:
- Dr. Paul Armstrong, Habinteg Housing Association (Ireland) Limited
- Molly Buckley, Oaklee Housing Trust
- Gearóidín Charlton, Sonas Housing Association
- Donal Leonard, Mid Offaly Housing Association
- Sr. Celine McArdle, Castleblaney Trust for Homeless, Needy and Unemployed
- Peadar Moulton, Wexford Mental Health
- Bill Nowlan, Focus Ireland
- Margharita Solon, Nás na Ríogh Housing Association
- Carol Walsh, Kilworth Community Housing Association
Photo: Back row (L-R): Donal Leonard, Mid Offaly Housing Association; Bill Nowlan, Focus Ireland; Deputy Mayor of Galway City Frank Fahy; Gene Clayton, ICSH President; Dr. Paul Armstrong, Habinteg Housing Association (Ireland); Peadar Moulton, Wexford Mental Health. Front row (L-R): Margharita Solon, Nás na Ríogh Housing Association; Carol Walsh, Kilworth Community Housing Association; John D. Carroll, Housing Association for Integrated Living (HAIL); Molly Buckley, Oaklee Housing Trust; Sr. Celine McArdle, Castleblaney Trust for Homeless, Needy and Unemployed; Gearóidín Charlton, Sonas Housing Association.