'Leitrim shaped me': Gerry Farrell crowned Leitrim Guardian person of the year

The launch of the 58th edition of the Leitrim Guardian turned into an emotional afternoon of tributes, laughter and standing ovations as Gerry Farrell was named Leitrim Guardian Person of the Year 2026 at a packed ceremony in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon on Nov 23. Writers, volunteers, families and community leaders gathered for the annual celebration, which also honoured literary award winners and long-time contributors to one of Leitrim’s most respected publications.
But it was the speeches — raw, personal and deeply local — that defined the afternoon. One of the most moving moments came from David Kelly, winner of the Obituary Award, whose words drew quiet reflection across the room.“There’s a spirit in the land and there’s a force in the nature,” he said. “There’s a wildness and a ruggedness… and there’s a freedom here. I can be me here.” Though Dublin-born, Kelly told the crowd Leitrim had become his home. “This is our home now and I absolutely love it here. It’s the people — the people keep you in a place.”

When Gerry Farrell took to the stage, the atmosphere shifted. He was visibly overwhelmed. “I wasn’t expecting this,” he said. “I am absolutely overwhelmed by the messages, the cards, the calls.” He spoke openly about what the honour meant to him: “To be here today, to have the esteem of my family and community — I just don’t think it gets any better than that.” He credited his upbringing in Leitrim and his education in Manorhamilton. “Leitrim shaped me,” he said. “If Leitrim is honouring me, any good I may have done is thanks to Leitrim.”

Gerry’s speech also brought laughter to the room as he spoke about family. “Our grandson once said, ‘Grandad is funny but Nanny is clever’. And he was right — she’s the brains of the operation.”

He told the story of secretly measuring the kitchen door for a theatre set. “Mary thought I was going to take the door off the kitchen for a play. That’ll give you some idea what she’s put up with.” He thanked his daughters Rachel and Rebecca, and his grandchildren by name. “The proudest moment of my life was performing on stage with my daughters.”

Majella O'Donnell from the HSE praised Gerry’s national impact in dementia care. “He didn’t just teach techniques. He taught understanding,” she said.
“He showed us how to see the person beneath the diagnosis.” A message from Diane Donnelly of the Alzheimer Society described him as:
“A gentleman gifted with many talents.” Actor Barry Degnan highlighted Gerry’s theatre career. “His one-man show is among the best performed anywhere in Ireland over the last 30 years,” he said. “To watch him watch his daughters on stage — that was a man bursting with pride.”
Gerry closed with one of the strongest lines of the day: “Happiness comes from having a positive, transformative impact on a place, a thing, or another human being. If I’ve had any positive impact, it’s only because of how Leitrim shaped me.”

READ MORE Presentation of Leitrim Person of the Year this Sunday

Farrell Family - Colm O'Hara, Rachel Farrell, Becky Farrell, Ciaran Rodgers (Front row) Sarah O' Hara, Matthew O'Hara, Gerry and Mary Farrell, Alison and Peter Rodgers.