At the recent Social Inclusion and Community Support Awards held in the Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown, a dedicated Clondalkin volunteer, George Smith (RIP) was awarded a “Certificate For Lifetime of Volunteering” for his outstanding contribution to volunteering in Clondalkin. George was involved in St. KIllians Estate Residents Association, Clondalkin Tidy Towns, Friends of The Camac and Clondalkin Mens Shed.
In the awards shortlist profile, George began volunteering in the 1950s as a football manager with his local soccer club, Bluebell United. He also volunteered with the club’s executive committee, and was later elected Club President. George and his wife Olive moved to the newly-built St Killian’s Housing Estate, Clondalkin in the 1960s, where George began volunteering as Chairperson of the Residents’ Association. George was passionate about maintaining the estate’s green area – planting flower beds and single-handedly taking care of cutting the grass (until recent years, when it became too much for him).
When Clondalkin Tidy Towns group formed in 2013, George joined and enthusiastically participated in litter picking, painting, planting, committee meetings, and numerous other activities. George volunteered alongside many asylum seekers in Clondalkin Tidy Towns, sharing his gardening knowledge and helping them to integrate into the village.
“George’s dedication was outstanding,” his friends fondly recall. “He inspired others and set a high standard for other volunteers to follow.” In 2015, George proudly celebrated 50 years of his beloved St Killian’s Estate by arranging a tree-planting ceremony and other activities.
“George’s enthusiasm and good humour when volunteering was infectious,” his friends remember. “He encouraged many others in the area to volunteer. George was renowned for helping out anywhere help was needed.” George sadly passed away in September 2022, still doing what he loved as much as possible – volunteering in his community.
Pictured: L- R George’s Family Reece, Anita & Georgina with Tommy Keogh.
