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Award for IWAI immediate past President Brian Cassells

The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) extends congratulations to the immediate past President of the IWAI, Mr Brian Cassells, who has been awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours List.

Brian was recommended for this award for services to the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, an all-Ireland voluntary association. Brian has for years represented the aims of IWAI as a respected voice lobbying and advising national and local government authorities as well as other bodies on many matters related to waterways development. Brian is immediate past President of the IWAI and is currently a member of the IWAI National Executive. Brian also played a key role in promoting the Ulster Canal Restoration Project and is current Chairman of the Lough Neagh Advisory Committee. The OBE is a great recognition for all his tireless work, efforts, campaigning and achievements, supported by his wife Maree.

Brian has said that he is "delighted" to be awarded an OBE, in the 2010 New Year Honours List.

Born on the shores of Lough Neagh, he is married with two daughters. He is an avid local historian and has researched and written widely on inland navigations and on other aspects of local history. He was until retiring a few years ago Headmaster of King’s Park Primary School in Lurgan. He was secretary of Craigavon Historical Society for many years and still serves on the committee. He is currently Chairman of the local museum committee where he has embarked on an ambitious plan to establish a waterways museum at Oxford Island.