KILLARNEY man Tony Pearson said he was shocked to be presented with the honour of a Citizen of the Year award.

Tony was caught by suprise when he received the award from the Lions Club of Killarney, presented by Councillor Vic Pennisi for his work in the community

"I knew something was afoot after John Towells rang me the night before, but I didn't expect to win the top prize," Tony said.

As president of the Killarney and District Historical Society for five years, Tony has contributed to the growth of the Heritage Centre.

Tony is modest about his contributions, although admits he has put in a lot of time to the group.

"It's come a long way since we put our hands up five years ago," he said.

"The numbers have grown from 238 people for the whole year when we were at the RSL to 1600 visitors for 2015."

As a full-time carer for his mother, Tony said it was his way of repaying the community that supports them.

"The community is paying me to do that job for my mother so it's my way to give back to them," he said.

"It's second nature to me.

"There is hardly a day goes past that I am not doing something for the heritage centre."

Tony has been a Killarney resident for the past eight years, after moving from Boondall for a lifestyle change.

"There is just a great sense of security," he said.

"If something happens, there is always someone who has seen it."

Tony said he was working on several projects, with 2016 set to be an exciting year for the Heritage Centre.