RSA Awards 2008

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) presented its first ever Leading Lights Road Safety Awards at a ceremony in Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park on 19th December, 2008. The awards recognise and honour the outstanding efforts of people from community groups, companies, industry groups, and schools nationwide who work at improving safety on Irish roads.

Ten Leading Lights Road Safety Awards were presented including a Supreme award and a Posthumous award.

Susan Gray & Gay Byrne Ann Fogarty & Gay Byrne

Charlie Collins of Highland radio, a consistent supporter of road safety improvement initiatives in Donegal, was awarded the Supreme award for his contribution to road safety. Over the past 12 years, Charlie has provided a forum for all groups and individuals involved in promoting road safety in Donegal in an effort to make the county's roads safer.

The late Mr. Vivian Foley, an award winning author who lectured at Cork Institute of Technology was awarded a posthumous award for his work in promoting road safety right up to the time of his death in 2003. The author of the book "Is your car safe?" Vivian was well known for his writing on the issue of road safety and had received a special commendation at the 2000 Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards.

Mrs. Susan Gray and Mrs. Ann Fogarty from PARC Road Safety group for Promoting Awareness, Responsibility and Care on our roads.
The Kildare Road Users Association (KRUA), a group of volunteers including driving instructors, bus drivers and principals who devise road safety initiatives and work with the Road Safety Officer to implement them;
Micilín Feeney, a survivor of a road collision whose story is featured in the RSA's 'Crashed Lives' TV campaign and who has worked to raise awareness of road safety among teenagers and young adults. Micilin, who crashed after drink driving, now talks to young people nationwide about how the crash changed his life forever;
Derrywash National School for their re-recording of the 'Safe Cross Code', reminding people of the importance of being familiar with the basics of road safety, such as finding a safe place to cross the road;
Tommy Marren of Mid West Radio for keeping road safety issues consistently on the agenda for his popular mid-morning talk show;
Ann Moran, whose daughter was killed in a collision, for bravely sharing her personal experiences at local and national Road Safety events.
Aileen Ferguson, Secretary of Kells Road Races in County Meath for her work in primary and secondary schools, advising youngsters of the importance of staying safe on the roads.
Mrs Gray, founder of Public Against Road Carnage (PARC), told the Journal yesterday: "It took me by surprise when the RSA nominated me for a community award for my work in road safety. Since I started PARC, the RSA has supported and encouraged our group and it was an honour to go to Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park on Friday to receive a beautiful 'Leading Lights" award. The award will have pride of place in our home in Culdaff and came at a very appropriate time - the anniversary of my husband Steve's death. Every time I look at it I will be reminded and reassured that Steve's death is playing a very significant role in bringing about safer roads in Ireland. This award for me and our two children is acknowledgement that Steve did not die in vain."

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Gay Byrne, the chairman of the Road Safety Authority, said: "What people may not know is that in every community across Ireland, there are ordinary people doing extraordinary work, quietly but tirelessly working to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads. These are the unsung heroes of road safety. And it gives me great pride and honour to be able to thank them personally for their outstanding achievements."