By Chris Ashmore

A Raphoe man’s dedication to his local town’s efforts in the National Tidy Towns competition has been recognised.

Liam Colhoun – despite not being in the best of health – has played a big role in Raphoe’s participation in the SuperValu sponsored National Tidy Towns competition.

Over the past six months, SuperValu has been delving a little deeper into the stories of unsung heroes like Liam.

SuperValu customers have been invited to nominate their Real Heroes at stores all over Ireland and the stories have proved to be truly inspirational.

For many years Liam Colhoun has worked voluntarily for St. Eunan’s Terrace Residents Association in Raphoe, Co. Donegal.

Liam was a council worker who retired approximately 10 years ago. Then in November 2007, Liam was taken ill and was admitted to hospital.

Liam was released after six months but is still quite ill and therefore has been restricted in his activities in the community.

But that hasn’t stopped him and he remains a driving force behind the ongoing maintenance of the large green areas that are part of the estate.

As a volunteer, Liam would work all hours. Liam’s work and that of the residents has not gone unnoticed and his dedication to the area contributed to St. Eunan’s Terrace winning first prize in their category some years back.

A great neighbour and community man, Liam is, without doubt, a real hero in Raphoe and he certainly supported the overall ethos of Tidy Towns by his great example, kindness and, most of all, civic pride for his community.

Richard Lennen SuperValu Regional Manager said: “The success of Tidy Towns is a testament to the unfailing dedication of the committees and individuals all over Ireland who have taken time out from their busy lives to improve their communities. We are delighted to celebrate Liam - a true hero who represents all those who have worked tirelessly to make Donegal a better place to live, work and to visit.”