On Thursday, March 31st, the PorterShed’s CEO Mary Rodgers was presented with the President’s Award at the Galway Chamber’s annual gala.
The award was given to Mary for her consistently remarkable and selfless contributions to the business life of Galway. Mary was chosen as the deserving winner of this award by the President of Galway Chamber, Aengus Burns, in consultation with his officer board.
A full house was in attendance at the Salthill Hotel as Mary scooped the gong in front of the PorterShed’s board members and colleagues.
“I want to especially acknowledge the leadership of the Galway City Innovation District board. Our board members are not just volunteers – they are successful professionals, who have busy day jobs, hustles and home lives,” Mary said.
“I eagerly anticipate board meetings, so we can strategize, problem-solve and drive our ambition for the West of Ireland. Thank you Chairperson Maurice O’Gorman, John Breslin, Conor O’Dowd, Dave Cunningham, Niamh Costello, Evin Cusack, and Kenny Deery. Thank you for your trust in me, your support and your insistence on accountability. Each board member makes this world and our Galway a better place.”
Mary also thanked the immediate PorterShed team – Anthony, Aoife, Rosemary, Sadhbh, Bob, Trevor, and Devin and picked out some of her favourite things about the community that makes it so special.
And she touched on the idea that more great work still needs to be done so that Galway can continue to see so much terrific growth in the years to come.
“The PorterShed was set up so that our children and yours and generations to come will have a choice to stay and work in Galway without sacrificing their career or ambition. We have made great progress in achieving this but there is much more to be done. We must continue to push for a seat at the national table and support the good work being done by our representatives. We must advocate for our city, county, and region. We must have a united voice for Galway.”
And Mary of course took time to thank some of the very special people in her life, too.
“My acceptance would not be complete without acknowledging the love and support of Charlie, Lauren, and Grace, to say my life is sometimes complicated is a mild understatement. Charlie adapts easily to our adventure and steers a steady ship for the girls, without Charlie on deck I am confident the girls would have missed the odd football game, a few birthday parties and potentially a school year! Thank you!” she said.
It was a terrific achievement and a well-deserved public acknowledgement of the amazing work that Mary does as the PorterShed CEO.
