Louis Fitzgerald presents the Tipperary Association Dublin Person of the Year award to Denis Floyd in the presence of Tipperary Association President Liam Myles at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel. Photos: Bridget Delaney

Local men honoured by Tipp Association

Published: Sat 3 Mar 2018, 12:00 AM

Local men Denis Floyd and Denis Ryan were honoured by the Tipperary Association Dublin in a jovial celebration at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel last Friday night week.

Denis Floyd, Chairman of Birdhill Tidy Village Committee, was named Tipperary Person of the Year for 2017, while Denis Ryan of Newport and Canada, a member of Ryan’s Fancy Folk Group, was inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame.

Mr Floyd's award was a recognition of his role in Birdhill being named as the prestigious winners of the National Tidy Town of the Year. It also recognised the voluntary work of the Birdhill Tidy Village Committee members and the wider Birdhill community.

Described by Tipp Association President Liam Myles as “a most deserving choice” for the award, Mr Floyd, former principal of Burgess National School, cultured and promoted a community spirit. He also published a book on the history of his area, and he continues to play a huge role in the GAA.

Denis Ryan was inducted into the Tipp Association Hall of Fame to mark his lifetime contribution to and achievement in the field of Irish folk and culture – both at home and abroad. Member of the local Comhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann branch from an early age, Mr Ryan was invited to perform in Newfoundland where he immersed himself in their music and culture. Here he formed the group Ryan’s Fancy, who performed and travelled extensively in Canada and Ireland.

Not forgetting his native home, he included songs like 'Newport Town' and 'Mulcair River' in his repertoire. He has performed for former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, US President Ronald Reagan and Queen Elizabeth. Canada's Ambassador to Ireland, Kevin Michael Vickers, was among those present to congratulate Mr Ryan on his award.

Later moving to Halifax, the Newport native set up an investment management business and became involved in many community projects. Mr Ryan also founded Nova Scotian Crystal – Canada’s only hand cut mouth-blown crystal.

The awards recipients were joined by friends and family as they enjoyed the annual Tipp Association function last Friday night week.