City neighbourhood Bohermore has produced the county's best neighbour. Bohermore native James Harris has won the VFI Good Neighbour award for his work in Galway theatre and the Making Galway Proud initiative.

Nominated by the Spinnaker pub for "the generosity and kindness shown by him to his neighbours", James is now in contention for the national award.

James has provided 18 years of laughter for generations of theatregoers in Galway. He has also carried out tremendous work for the Making Galway Proud initiative including raising €500,000 with the help of the Galway building industry to help build a new community in a township in South Africa. He is also due to be awarded a Rehab Galway People of the Year award at the Clayton Hotel on Saturday 26 January next year, in recognition of his charity work.

The VFI Good Neighbour Award was launched in October by the VFI with sponsorship from Heineken Ireland and the support of football hero Colm 'The Gooch' Cooper. The aim is to recognise the unsung heroes who make a difference to the life of a friend or neighbour in their local community.

Paul Stevenson, President of the VFI said: "Our members see firsthand the tremendous amount of generosity and kindness offered to neighbours by ordinary people. The Irish countryside is changing rapidly, and many people, especially older people, are becoming increasingly isolated in their own home. There are many unsung heroes who help to keep their communities alive and isolation at bay. The VFI and its members wish to acknowledge these heroes and their often unseen acts of tremendous kindness."

Customers of VFI participating pubs were invited to nominate someone in the community who deserves such recognition. One person was selected by the pub and put forward for consideration as the County Good Neighbour. Each county winner will be in contention for the national title. Further details of the award scheme can be found on www.vfi.ie.

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