It was a huge comeback for the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (MAMA) as a record 18 prizes honoured significant contributions to an increasingly diverse Ireland. The winners were joined by over 300 guests who defied torrential rain and heavy flooding on Monday 24 October to attend the MAMAs at Dublin’s Liberty Hall Theatre – the first event after a three-year recess.
Shalini Sinha, TV personality and commentator on life issues and diversity, hosted the ceremony for the eighth time since the inaugural event in 2002. She was joined by Dublin’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Maria Parodi, who officiated at the awards.
Dignitaries who presented awards to the winners included the Dean of African Ambassadors and Kenyan Ambassador to Ireland, Catherine Mwangi, and acting Deputy Chief of Mission in the US Embassy in Dublin, Karyn Posner-Mullen.
Others represented the event sponsors and judging panel, including Breandán Mac Craith, communications officer with Foras na Gaeilge; An Post’s director of communications and corporate affairs Barney Whelan; Marcin Kulik, CEO of MK Design’ and Breege Keenan, member of the judging panel and winner of the Special Judges’ Award in 2007.
“We were absolutely delighted to receive our award last night,” said Ian Oliver of the Centre for Creative Practices. “It means so much to a centre like ours to receive such recognition and validation of all that we do in the centre.”
The event was hosted as part of Dublin City Council’s One City One People initiative.
Gerry Folan of the council’s Office for Integration was also in attendance.
Meanwhile, guests were thrilled by a special performance from the newly formed Cenafriq Multicultural Dance Group Ireland. Also performing were dynamic musician Shaz Oye and the prestigious Georgian Choir of Dublin.
Sandra Doyle of the Adult Learning Centre at Co Laois VEC was among the guests and was full of praise for the evening.
“Our English Language students had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed celebrating with all the diverse project winners – despite the crazy weather,” she said.
