Pictured at the Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2026 are Jarlath McDonagh; Anne Casey Donohue (Club Pop Up Gaeltacht); Peter Martin (Portumna Tidy Towns); Melissa Hogan (Eyrecourt and District Community Development Co. Ltd.), John Tarpey; Mary O’Neill (Tuam Women’s Shed), Trisha Delaney; Marie Ruane (Belmont N.S.); Paula Gallagher (St Colman’s Camogie Club), Blessing Oguekwe (Make a Difference Youth Club); Brian Healy (Environmental and Climate Award); Brendán Ó Lainsigh (Ballinderreen Community Centre); and seated, Brendan Smith (Fionn Primary School Science Project); Michael Owens (Director of Services, Galway County Council), Cllr David Collins (Cathaoirleach), and Margaret McNulty (Oranmore Tidy Towns). Credit Murtography.
Community groups and volunteers from across County Galway were honoured at the Cathaoirleach’s Awards in the Raheen Woods Hotel.
Organised by Galway County Council in partnership with the Galway County Public Participation Network, the event recognised the work of individuals and organisations making a difference in their communities.
Hosted by Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins (FG), the ceremony brought together nominees, their families and supporters.
MC Ronan Lardner of Galway Bay FM entertained a full house, while others tuned in via a live stream on the Council’s Facebook page.
Among the winners on the night were Make A Difference Youth Club, John Tarpey, the Ballinderreen Heritage Publication, Belmont National School, Pop Up Gaeltacht Chinn Mhara, Brian Healy, Eyrecourt and District Community Development, St Colman’s Camogie Club, Oranmore Tidy Towns, Portumna Tidy Towns, Tuam Women’s Shed and the Fionn Science Project.
Each recipient received a specially commissioned award designed and crafted by Craughwell artist Seán Mahony, along with a certificate and a €500 prize to support their work.
Two additional honours were presented on the night. The Cathaoirleach’s Special Recognition Award was awarded posthumously to Damien Delaney of Lackagh, Turloughmore. He was remembered for his commitment to his community, his involvement in local activities and his support for heritage initiatives.
Jarlath McDonagh from Turloughmore received the Lifetime Achievement Award. A former teacher and public representative, he has made a significant contribution to community life, education and sport over several decades, including his work with Galway County Council and Seanad Éireann.
Cllr Collins said, “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 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”.
The first award of the evening, in the Arts and Culture category, was presented to Make A Difference Youth Club. The group works to empower young people through creativity, leadership and inclusion. It delivers a range of programmes, including creative writing and spoken word workshops, giving young people opportunities to express themselves and engage with culture.
The Best Contribution to Heritage Award was presented to John Tarpey. He founded the Kilskeagh Heritage Committee with the aim of uncovering the remains of the historic Kilskeagh church and graveyard, which had been hidden by overgrowth for decades. Under his leadership, the site has been restored and made accessible, while his work also led to the identification of a significant medieval archaeological landscape in the area.
Ballinderreen Community Centre won the Heritage Publication Award. Its multimedia project celebrates local heritage while supporting wellbeing and strengthening community identity. A dedicated group worked with local organisations, including the national school, GAA club and Tidy Towns committee, to deliver the initiative.
Belmont National School received the Schools Contribution to Heritage Award for its Ash Tree Project. The project gained national recognition and was showcased at European level. Now on display in Collins Barracks, it highlights a significant local tree and explores links between natural and cultural heritage.
Pop Up Gaeltacht Chinn Mhara was named winner of the Best Contribution to the Irish Language Award. The group organises events across South Galway, including conversation circles, workshops and guided walks, encouraging people of all ages to use and develop their Irish in a social setting.
Brian Healy received the Environment and Climate Action Award for his work supporting sustainability projects in his local area. His efforts include biodiversity initiatives, energy reduction projects and community partnerships involving sports clubs, schools and local groups.
The Social Inclusion Award went to Eyrecourt and District Community Development. The voluntary group has led the redevelopment of community facilities, including Eyrecourt Hall, and supports a wide range of activities aimed at improving quality of life and inclusion in the area.
St Colman’s Camogie Club received the Sports Award. The volunteer-led club supports participation in sport for girls and women and runs a range of inclusive initiatives, including youth camps and community programmes promoting health and wellbeing.
Oranmore Tidy Towns was recognised with the Tidy Towns Award for its long-standing commitment to environmental protection and community action. Its work includes biodiversity projects, reuse initiatives and the management of local green spaces.
Two groups were also selected to represent County Galway in the Pride of Place Awards. Portumna Tidy Towns will compete in the Community Tourism Initiative category, reflecting the town’s strong heritage offering and community development. Tuam Women’s Shed was also recognised for its work on a sensory garden in the Tuam Palace Grounds, developed in partnership with local groups and schools.
The Heritage Legacy Award was awarded to the Fionn Science Project. Developed at primary school level, it combined science education with heritage themes and has been recognised as an innovative and influential initiative in Irish education.
