Left to right Cuisle Mc Namara – Secretary AIWB, Maggie
Bradley (John’s Wife), John Rodden, Eamon Naughton – President AIWB
A BIG-hearted Donegal man has picked up a prestigious award Down Under – after being named The Irish Australian of the Year.
Kilmacrennan native John Rodden works tirelessly for his community in Melbourne and was part of the team which helped take the Sam Maguire around Australia earlier this year.
“The Irish Community has a reputation for looking after it’s own, the culture was set by those that arrived in the late 1940’s they all cared for each other, welcoming new arrivals with information re digs and work. Each generation since has continued the tradition,” said Marion O’Hagan from the Australian Irish Welfare Bureau
“John has served the Australian Irish Community and the broader community admirably. Not everyone is community minded.
“The generosity of this years’ recipient is well known only to those who have been fortunate enough to be assisted through difficult times.
“The uncertainty of travelling to a new land is dispelled with the knowledge that on arrival they will be welcomed and looked after. John is one of the first people I met at the Bureau when I started there 15 years ago. The way in which he goes about his volunteering not only at the Bureau but also the broader community is inspiring to those around him.
“No matter what the situation, and believe me I have presented him with some rare situations, he manages at all times to take it in his stride with good humour and most definitely in a quiet, unassuming manner not expecting reward or favour.”
She said John has a passion for assisting those less fortunate, has a respectful and caring attitude toward the elderly and a welcoming and patient demeanor with children.
As an active member of the Donegal Association which was formed in 1977 he has given many hours along with other dedicated committee members in the organisation of the Mary from Dungloe Ball and selection of the Melbourne Mary, the annual community picnic and the Yea race day.
“Melbourne was abuzz recently with the visit of the “The Sam Maguire”. Believe me, the time and effort involved in making it all happen was astronomical,” said Marion.
“I believe the visit of the Sam ticked all the boxes, but for me to see so many people overjoyed at it’s presence at a function and hundreds of people having their photo taken holding the Sam was brilliant. That such a massive job was done by a handful of people; John being one of them was brilliant.”
John said he was delighted to lift the award.
“Beside every good man there is a great woman. My wife Maggie is brilliant. She supports me in all I do,” he said.
“She was Secretary of the Donegal Association for many years. When Maggie says she is gong to do something you can bet your life it gets done,” he said.
Local people here will get a chance to congratulate John in person shortly.
He arrives back home in Donegal on September 16 with children Aoife and Eoin for a month long holiday!.
Award presented by Eamon Naughton…President A.I.W.B. &
Cuisle Mc Namara…. Secretary A.I.W.B.
Announcement…Marion O’Hagan Administrator A.I.W.B.