Inspirational Donegal man and road safety campaigner Richard Alcorn has been awarded the Road Safety Authority ‘Gertie Shields Supreme Award’ for 2017.
Richard survived a road traffic collision in 2006 and now gives his time freely to delivering road safety messages to young adults.
The overall award was presented to Richard Alcorn by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD, at the RSA’s 10th annual ‘Leading Lights in Road Safety’ Awards in Croke Park.
In 2006, Richard Alcorn was involved in a very serious road traffic incident near his home town of Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal. He lost an arm, broke his neck, shattered his pelvis and broke both hips. He has battled to overcome his horrific injuries and has taken on a new role, advocating for road safety.
‘Education – Community’ Award: Richard Alcorn
He was also honoured with the ‘Education – Community’ Award at the RSA event for his work to promote the message of ‘Remember, the next time it could be you’ to countless people across Ireland.
Richard delivers the road safety message to young people in Donegal, Mayo, Cavan and Kildare at events including Donegal County Council’s Road Safe Road Show, held annually in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Richard has given his time freely and is always available to assist any group helping to promote road safety awareness.
A total of 25 individuals and organisations were honoured for their commitment and dedication to road safety at the tenth annual ‘Leading Lights in Road Safety’ Awards which were presented by RSA Chairperson Liz O’Donnell and RSA Chief Executive Moyagh Murdock in Croke Park today. MC for the day was RTÉ News Correspondent Teresa Mannion, with awards presented in categories including media, education, business, emergency services and public sector.
Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD said: “Congratulations to everyone who received an award today and on behalf of all road users, thank you for your commitment and dedication to making our roads safer. I’d like to particularly commend Richard Alcorn, a true inspiration. His bravery in not only dealing with the aftermath of such a life-changing incident but also using his experience to teach others, is why he is so deserving of the RSA Leading Lights in Road Safety Supreme Award.”
Ms Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson of the RSA presented the awards, saying: “Road safety is about making the roads we share with our family, neighbours, friends and colleagues a safer place. It’s about keeping our local communities safe. And that’s why we are recognising the great work being celebrated here today. Work that is helping to make communities right across the country safer for all. Work that is making a difference and saving lives.”
Ms Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority said: “We received over 160 nominations across the Leading Lights awards categories this year. The high quality of projects being entered meant that is was the toughest year yet to pick winners. I’d like to commend those who sent in nominations, who recognised Leading Lights in their school, office or community, who are making a difference, and put them forward for awards. It is thanks to them that we hear about the great work being done around the country to promote road safety.”