The former TD and Minister, Michael Ring has been officially named as 2025 Mayo Person of the Year at an awards ceremony in Dublin.
The annual event is hosted by the Mayo Dublin Association in recognition of an individual's achievements and contribution to his native county.
Michael Ring received the prestigious award for what was described as "a long and distinguished career representing the Fine Gael party over five decades".
The recently retired politician has been a public representative since 1979, serving first on Westport Urban District Council and then Mayo County Council.
He was elected to Dáil Éireann in the 1994 by-election and won a seat in every subsequent election.
During his political career he has served as Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, and as a senior minister at the Department of Rural and Community Development.
During this time he delivered funding for numerous projects across Mayo.
The Westport native received many nominations for the award with many highlighting his "outstanding work" as a Government minister in spearheading initiatives like The Gathering in 2014 and the development of the Wild Atlantic Way.
The judging panel cited his "unstinting devotion" to his constituents
"Michael Ring has earned a reputation as a hardworking and astute public representative, leaving no stone unturned in serving his constituents," they said.
"His work ethic was legendary and he excelled in grassroots politics going well beyond the call of duty on numerous occasions to assist members of the public, whether it was with medical cards, third-level grants, fuel allowances and so forth"
