Latest news with #SpecialRecognitionAwards
Irish Independent
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
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'. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 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.
Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Inside star-studded Women's Football Awards as England duo to the receive special honours
The Women's Football Awards will see some of the biggest names in the game come together to celebrate the achievements and contributions of those in women's football England Women's midfield dynamos Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway are set to be honoured with prestigious accolades at the 2025 Women's Football Awards next week. Both players will be bestowed with Special Recognition Awards in a nod to their remarkable contributions to football, both on home soil and internationally. The glitzy ceremony, which gathers some of the most prominent names in football, will be jointly hosted by BBC presenter Gabby Logan, football icon Jamie Carragher and ex-Lioness Eni Aluko. Sponsored by Shein, VISA, and ScottishPower, the annual bash is the biggest of its kind in Europe and applauds extraordinary achievements and contributions to women's football. Walsh, a true pioneer in the sport, will be acknowledged not only for her impressive playing career but also for her dedication to nurturing grassroots girls' football. The highly-respected Lioness played a crucial role in establishing the Rochdale Girls Development Centre in 2023, which offers gifted young players in the region access to top-notch coaching and facilities. Last year, Walsh personally financed kits and equipment for a female talent programme that supported 35 girls throughout the year. On the field, Walsh has carved out an exceptional career, instrumental in Manchester City's BWSL triumph in 2016, scooping up three Vitality Women's FA Cups, and lifting the Continental League Cup four times over, before making the jump to Barcelona in 2022. After a spell abroad, she returned to the home turf in the Women's Super League with Chelsea during the January transfer window. Meanwhile, Georgia Stanway's journey has been equally stellar, with her footballing prowess seeing her at Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and on England's national squad. Off the pitch, her dedication to enriching the sport's future is unwavering. Football legend Jamie Carragher, who played a key role in launching the Women's Football Awards in 2023, lauded both players, saying: "Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway have had outstanding careers so far, marked by incredible success on the pitch. "This year's awards will rightly celebrate their footballing achievements, but we'll also be recognising the brilliant work they do off the field, especially their exceptional commitment to improving access to grassroots football for women and girls. I'm really looking forward to honouring Keira and Georgia, alongside Gabby Logan and Eni Aluko, at the ceremony next week." The coveted awards will be dished out in London on the 1st of May, with some of the other hot-shot nominees being Chelsea's very own Lauren James, Manchester City's explosive talent Bunny Shaw, and Arsenal's Alessia Russo. The event will also showcase categories like Grassroots Initiative of the Year, with nominees such as the Chelsea Foundation and the Premier League. Adidas, EA Sports, Three UK and Barclays are also contenders for awards. The Women's Football Awards is backed by prominent online fashion retailer Shein, financial services behemoth VISA, and energy supplier ScottishPower. Global sports nutrition and wellbeing brand Applied Nutrition is also one of the event's sponsors.
Scottish Sun
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
England stars Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway set for top honours at 2025 Women's Football Awards
KEIRA WALSH and Georgia Stanway will be honoured at the 2025 Women's Football Awards. The two Lionesses will receive Special Recognition Awards for their contributions to the sport. 3 Georgia Stanway is set to receive an award at the Women's Football Awards Credit: Getty 3 She will be joined by Chelsea star Keira Walsh Credit: Getty The awards will be granted to the duo not for their contributions in England but internationally as well. Walsh, 28, and Stanway will be handed the awards at a star-studded ceremony on May 1 at the InterContinental London, Park Lane. The ceremony will be hosted by BBC presenter Gabby Logan as well as former Lioness Eni Aluko and retired Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. Carragher helped launch the Women's Football Awards in 2023 and is excited to present the awards. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL HOW RUUD! Fans shocked at what Ruud Van Nistelrooy did after Leicester relegated He said: "Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway have had outstanding careers so far, marked by incredible success on the pitch. "This year's awards will rightly celebrate their footballing achievements. "But we'll also be recognising the brilliant work they do off the field. "Especially their exceptional commitment to improving access to grassroots football for women and girls. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS "I'm really looking forward to honouring Keira and Georgia, alongside Gabby Logan and Eni Aluko, at the ceremony next week." Walsh is viewed as a trailblazer in women's football for her playing career and also for helping develop grassroots girls' football. Chloe Kelly shows off her toned abs in very bold outfit as England Lionesses star attends MTV Europe Music Awards 3 Jamie Carragher has spoken about the awards Credit: Abigail Shii She played an important role in the founding of the Rochdale Girls Development Centre two years ago. The Chelsea star has also funded kits and equipment for a female talent programme that supported 35 girls. She won a BWSL title in 2016 as well as three Women's FA Cups, and lifted the Continental League Cup four times at Manchester City. The midfielder joined Barcelona in 2022 before returning to England in January by signing for the Blues. Stanway, 26, has enjoyed success on the pitch with spells at Manchester City and Bayern Munich. She has also scored a vital goal in the Lionesses' run to winning the Uefa Women's Euros 2022.
The Sun
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
England stars Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway set for top honours at 2025 Women's Football Awards
KEIRA WALSH and Georgia Stanway will be honoured at the 2025 Women's Football Awards. The two Lionesses will receive Special Recognition Awards for their contributions to the sport. 3 The awards will be granted to the duo not for their contributions in England but internationally as well. Walsh, 28, and Stanway will be handed the awards at a star-studded ceremony on May 1 at the InterContinental London, Park Lane. The ceremony will be hosted by BBC presenter Gabby Logan as well as former Lioness Eni Aluko and retired Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. Carragher helped launch the Women's Football Awards in 2023 and is excited to present the awards. He said: "Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway have had outstanding careers so far, marked by incredible success on the pitch. "This year's awards will rightly celebrate their footballing achievements. "But we'll also be recognising the brilliant work they do off the field. "Especially their exceptional commitment to improving access to grassroots football for women and girls. "I'm really looking forward to honouring Keira and Georgia, alongside Gabby Logan and Eni Aluko, at the ceremony next week." Walsh is viewed as a trailblazer in women's football for her playing career and also for helping develop grassroots girls' football. Chloe Kelly shows off her toned abs in very bold outfit as England Lionesses star attends MTV Europe Music Awards 3 She played an important role in the founding of the Rochdale Girls Development Centre two years ago. The Chelsea star has also funded kits and equipment for a female talent programme that supported 35 girls. She won a BWSL title in 2016 as well as three Women's FA Cups, and lifted the Continental League Cup four times at Manchester City. The midfielder joined Barcelona in 2022 before . She has also scored a vital goal in the Lionesses' run to winning the Uefa Women's Euros 2022.
The Irish Sun
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
England stars Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway set for top honours at 2025 Women's Football Awards
KEIRA WALSH and Georgia Stanway will be honoured at the 2025 Women's Football Awards. The two Lionesses will receive Special Recognition Awards for their contributions to the sport. 3 Georgia Stanway is set to receive an award at the Women's Football Awards Credit: Getty 3 She will be joined by Chelsea star Keira Walsh Credit: Getty The awards will be granted to the duo not for their contributions in Walsh, 28, and Stanway will be handed the awards at a star-studded ceremony on May 1 at the InterContinental London, Park Lane. The ceremony will be hosted by BBC presenter Carragher helped launch the Women's Football Awards in 2023 and is excited to present the awards. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL He said: "Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway have had outstanding careers so far, marked by incredible success on the pitch. "This year's awards will rightly celebrate their footballing achievements. "But we'll also be recognising the brilliant work they do off the field. "Especially their exceptional commitment to improving access to grassroots football for women and girls. Most read in Football JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS "I'm really looking forward to honouring Keira and Georgia, alongside Gabby Logan and Eni Aluko, at the ceremony next week." Walsh is viewed as a trailblazer in women's football for her playing career and also for helping develop grassroots girls' football. Chloe Kelly shows off her toned abs in very bold outfit as England Lionesses star attends MTV Europe Music Awards 3 Jamie Carragher has spoken about the awards Credit: Abigail Shii She played an important role in the founding of the Rochdale Girls Development Centre two years ago. The She won a BWSL title in 2016 as well as three Women's FA Cups, and lifted the Continental League Cup four times at Manchester City. The midfielder joined She has also scored a vital goal in the Lionesses' run to winning the Uefa Women's Euros 2022.
