RECAP: A week of Mayoral Receptions to celebrate the achievements of the Waterford community
Top left: Brenda Giles, David Hennessy, Mayor Seamus Ryan, Sean Upton and Cllr Damien Geoghegan. Top Right: Mayor Seamus Ryan with Michael Reily. Bottom Left: Deputy Mayor John Pratt with Ballyduff Drama Group Director Ger Canning. Bottom Right: Dylan Rees, Deputy Mayor John Pratt, Alex Hennebry.
New Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Waterford, Seamus Ryan and John Pratt, last week hosted a series of Mayoral Receptions to celebrate valued community members.
Mayoral Receptions are hosted by incumbent Mayors and Deputy Mayors of Waterford to recognise individuals, groups, or organisations who have made outstanding contributions to the local community.
The recipients are invited to the Mayor's Parlour in City Hall, where they are presented with a scroll to commemorate their efforts.
Last week, four receptions were hosted.
Mayor of Waterford Seamus Ryan hosted a reception on Monday for director David Hennessy, alongside actors Brenda Giles and Sean Upton in recognition of their play ‘Up Down Boy’
Up Down Boy tells the story of Jack (Sean Upton), who has Down Syndrome, and his mother Kate (Brenda Giles), as Jack prepares to head off to college.
The show by the David Hennessy Musical and Dramatic Society was performed at St Patrick’s Gateway Centre, and, in December, featured on RTÉ’s Nationwide.
It was met with resounding acclaim.
One of the country’s most talented young boxers, Michael Reilly, received a Mayoral Reception from Mayor Ryan on Tuesday.
Last week, the St. Paul’s boxer won the National Under 19 title at 55kg with a 5-0 win over Mullingar Elite boxing club member Edward Corcoran.
He became an eighth-time National champion in the process.
The teenager has already enjoyed considerable success in his boxing career and has competed at national and international levels.
He was also recently honoured at the Waterford Garda Youth Awards, in recognition of his boxing achievements and his journey in overcoming social challenges.
Deputy Mayor John Pratt hosted a reception for Dungarvan snooker players Dylan Rees and Alex Hennebry in recognition of them representing Ireland in the first ever World Snooker Disability Championships held in Bangkok.
The historic event saw 66 players across wheelchair, ambulant, intellectual, visual and deaf classification groups.
Both of our locals players represented their county and country to the fullest, with Dylan defeating world number one and compatriot Colvin O’Brien 3-0 to become world champion for the final time.
Deputy Mayor John Pratt also hosted a reception for Ballyduff Drama Group.
The reception was in recognition of the outstanding achievements of Ballyduff drama group who have proudly secured the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama champions for the second year in a row, the third time in four years and the fourth time in the group’s remarkable history.
In 2025, the group didn’t simply win the title, they excelled across the board, taking home awards for best director, best actress, best supporting actor and best stage setting.
Next week, a Mayoral Reception will be hosted by Mayor Seamus Ryan for 11-year-old martial arts prodigy Freya Marsh.
