Spotlight on Galway volunteers as awards ceremony honours ‘outstanding' achievements
The ceremony, which took place on Friday, May 16 at the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry was hosted by Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor Martina Kinane and celebrated the 'outstanding contribution of individuals and organisations who work tirelessly to improve life in their communities'.
The event was organised by Galway County Council in partnership with the Galway County Public Participation Network (PPN).
A full house attended the evening of celebration and Master of Ceremonies, Councillor Ollie Turner, kept the audience engaged throughout the night.
Winners across a wide range of categories were recognised for their impact in areas such as arts, environment, community development, inclusion, and heritage.
This year's award recipients were Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds, Katie Duane, Jacinta Barrins, Michael J. Hurley, Sarah Ann Buday, South Galway Lakers Special Olympics Club, Tuam Tidy Towns, Clarinbridge Tidy Towns, Marconi Men's Shed, and Forám Chois Fharraighe um Pleanáil Teanga.
Each awardee received a specially commissioned handcrafted trophy by Craughwell-based artist Seán Mahony, a certificate of achievement, and a €500 prize to support their ongoing community work.
In addition to the category winners, two Special Recognition Awards were presented on the night. Bernie Rogers was honoured with the Individual Award for her long-standing voluntary commitment, while Moyne Villa FC received the Group Award for their significant contributions to community life.
Cllr. Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway stated, 'These awards recognise the tireless efforts of individuals and groups who work diligently behind the scenes to strengthen our communities. On behalf of Galway County Council and the people of the County, I am delighted to host this event dedicated to recognising and honouring their achievements and commitment to making our local areas better places to live, work and visit.'
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, 'These awards provide an opportunity for Galway County Council and Galway County PPN to recognise the unique value and contribution of volunteers to our county and to acknowledge their impact on community wellbeing and quality of life.
'I am delighted that this year an Awards Booklet will be compiled as a memento for all nominees, and to inform all in our County of the range and breadth of voluntary activities and the pride of place instilled by volunteerism'.
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The first award of the evening was presented to Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds in the 'Arts and Culture' category recognising voluntary efforts to encourage and promote knowledge, experience and practice of arts and culture. This 4-day festival in Ballinasloe celebrates traditional Irish music, heritage, and culture, and has expanded significantly over the last decade now offering a diverse range of events and family-friendly activities. The masterclass workshops led by esteemed traditional musicians, hosting of international musicians to foster cultural exchange, and extensive youth engagement, position the festival as a hub for learning and artistic development of emerging and established artists.
The 'Best Contribution to Heritage Award', which recognises the efforts of groups that promote the heritage of their local area, was won by Katie Duane. Now in her 96th year, Katie has been the inspiration in her local community for the last 40 years in pursuit of the restoration of her beloved Kilboght Graveyard. Initially involved in ongoing maintenance works, Katie established a Restoration Group in 2021 as the mausoleum was in danger of collapse. Having successfully sought funding for a Conservation Management Plan and restoration works from the Community Monuments Fund, the abbey and mausoleum restoration works have now been showcased in a podcast, video and StoryMaps, and were a finalist in the Heritage Category of the Irish Building and Design Awards 2025.
The winner of the 'Heritage Publication Award', which recognises the voluntary efforts to research, record and promote the heritage of local areas, was Michael J. Hurley for 'Lackagh – A Colourful Past'. This is a 330-page pictorial album by and of the people of Lackagh underpinned by extensive community engagement which celebrates people, places, events and celebrations of Lackagh dating back to 1875. Michael has now voluntarily researched, written, and published 15 books documenting Lackagh Parish history and heritage.
Fóram Chois Fharraige Um Pleanáil Teanga was named winner of 'Gradam na Gaeilge' in recognition of its work to preserve, promote and strengthen the use of the Irish language.
Jacinta Barrins was named winner of the 'Environment & Climate Action Award', which recognises volunteers' efforts to enhance the environment in which they live in a sustainable manner. Jacinta passionately advocates that 'tackling climate change is not just for the young' and has dedicated her post-retirement years to climate education and activism, especially among older generations. In 2023, Jacinta founded the 60+ Climate Drive, and over the last year and a half, has travelled extensively across Galway City and County to talk to retirement groups, carers networks, men's sheds, women's sheds, and a broad range of community & voluntary groups.
The winner of the 'Social Inclusion Award', which recognises voluntary efforts to support all people within the community to participate in social and community activities, was Sarah Ann Buday. Sarah Ann is a third-year student at High Cross College in Tuam. Having first-hand experience of life as a young carer, for the last 3 years Sarah Ann has been a passionate advocate for all young carers through academic research, public speaking engagements, and using her voice in Comhairle na nÓg and the National Youth Assembly. Sarah Ann spoke at Leinster House in March 2025 to raise awareness of the need for proper care and support services for young carers, resulting in a Motion on Young Carers brought by the Labour Party being passed by Dáil Éireann on 20th March 2025.
The winner of the 'Sports Award', which recognises voluntary efforts to increase the number of people participating in sport, particularly within groups with low participation rates, was South Galway Lakers Special Olympics Sports Club. South Galway Lakers are a volunteer-run club established in March 2024 after realising there was a huge gap in facilities for athletes with intellectual disabilities in South Galway. After a lot of preparation and hard work, they opened the doors to a brand-new club in Loughrea, and since then, their numbers are growing monthly and they have opened a second training venue in Gort. They are going from strength to strength and clearly living up to their slogan of 'United we stand, together we soar!
Tuam Tidy Towns was named winner of the 'Tidy Towns Recognition Award' in recognition of achieving Bronze Medal status in the National Tidy Towns Competition, becoming the first large town in the County to progress to medal status. The Tidy Towns Committee have built a strong sense of community spirit since entering the national competition in 2011 and have over 3,000 followers on Facebook, as well as collaborating with local schools, businesses, and youth groups on a variety of projects. This collaborative spirit has brought every sector of their community together for a shared goal of improving their local environment in a sustainable way.
The Cathaoirleach's Awards honour the 2 groups who have been selected annually to represent County Galway in the All-Island Price of Place Awards. The first Pride of Place Winner was Clarinbridge Tidy Towns, who will represent County Galway in the '300-1000 Population' award category. Clarinbridge Tidy Towns was formed in 1979 with the aim of enhancing the physical and social environment of Clarinbridge Village and surrounding areas, which thrives as a vibrant and forward-thinking village with residents fostering a welcoming community and inviting atmosphere for visitors. The community has a strong commitment to development of heritage, sports, community and environmental initiatives in a manner that is sympathetic to the unique character of the village.
The other Pride of Place Award Winner was Marconi Men's Shed based in Clifden, who are unique, having been established exclusively by male family carers following the completion of a Creative Carers wood-turning project funded through Creative Ireland. They will represent County Galway in the 'Community Wellbeing' award category as the lens through which the shed functions and plans its activities is 'health and wellbeing' and 'inclusivity'. Forty Shedders have undertaken Tai Chi and Mindfulness courses, with other workshops completed including '5 Ways to Wellbeing', 'Healthy Eating', 'Physical Activity Go for Life' and 'Stop Smoking West', with many more activities planned. The impact has transformed the lives of many Shedders, with all citing improved physical and mental wellbeing.
Following the presentation of the Cathaoirleach's Community Awards, Councillor Martina Kinane announced two Special Recognition Awards.
The Individual Special Recognition Award Winner was announced as Bernie Rogers from Oranmore, who is a driving force in local voluntary sports and outdoor activities. The Cathaoirleach described Bernie as a beacon of kindness and fun, with her dedication to volunteering and positive attitude having a lasting impact on improving quality of life for everyone. She noted that her efforts to engage individuals in initiatives such as Parkrun, Swim for Fun, and Run for Fun, were about reaching those least likely to engage in traditional sports and finding a place for everyone to belong.
The Group Special Recognition Award Winner was announced as Moyne Villa FC from Headford, which offers structured soccer programmes for players from 3-65, and a 'Football for All' programme with Ability West. Beyond sport, the club promotes health and wellbeing through its range of on-site facilities, and it is central to building community spirit through being centrally involved in the local community festival 'Headfest'. The club's place as a cornerstone of the community came to the fore in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn when it became a vital hub for over 3,500 people and recognised as a beacon of community care and resilience through local and national media coverage.
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