Declan is Jersey's Irish Person of the Year

THE Irish community in Jersey, in the Channel Islands, has honoured a Mayo native.

The Jersey Irish Society makes a presentation to the Irish Person of the Year at its St. Patrick's Ball each year. This year's recipient was Declan Kelly, a native of Fahy, Westport.

Declan is a keen GAA supporter and Mayo man and is the manager of Kitty O'Shea's, the local Irish pub.

The society has strong Mayo connections – chairperson Martina Wintour (née Shiel) is a native of Swinford.

Declan was presented with his award - the Michael Kilroy Shield - at the society's ball, which was held in the L'Horizon Hotel, St. Brelade. Michael was a founder member of the Jersey Irish Society in 1976. The shield was donated in his memory by his sister, Eileen Rondel.