Mayo TV presenter Henry McGlade caught by surprise at civic awards
The winners of the Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2022 have been feted at a community celebration evening at Breaffy House Resort.
A special recognition award was presented to Henry McGlade, Breaffy, who was attending the event in his role as a presenter with TV Ireland and knew nothing of the big surprise awaiting him.
The late Stephen Dunford, Killala and Castlebar, was posthumously honoured for his outstanding contribution to Mayo life, the award accepted by his brother, Jarlath (Chuck).
The civic awards, now in their second year, recognise the dedication and efforts of the many community volunteer groups at work in County Mayo, as they work quietly behind the scenes to make our communities stronger, more vibrant and caring.
After a public nomination process last autumn, all nominees were invited to the presentation evening, which celebrated their achievements and provided a fitting platform to showcase their incredible work to a wide audience.
Councillor Seamus Weir, cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, said: “These awards give recognition to the people of Mayo who are the heartbeat and backbone of their communities at home and abroad.
“While not every group or individual who was nominated could take home an award, everyone who was short-listed should take great pride in being nominated.
“I’ve been involved with many, many community groups over the years and have seen first-hand the fantastic work these groups carry out in their locality.
“As Mayo people, by our nature, we don’t do things by half and when we are involved in something, we throw ourselves totally into it and that is why we had so many brilliant groups and individuals represented at the awards.”
Kevin Kelly, chief executive of Mayo County Council, said: “It comes as no surprise to me to see the sheer volume and quality of nominees that have been put forward for these awards.
“Volunteerism and community spirit are at the heart of all great communities. It is also worth noting that Mayo’s Public Participation Network has an active database of over 1,000 community and voluntary groups from across the county – who are actively out there working for their communities every day of the week.
“The quality of the nominations submitted was extremely high, thus it was difficult for the judges to determine the winners. I applaud their commitment and enthusiasm for volunteering in your community.
“The cathaoirleach, elected councillors and staff of Mayo County Council are dedicated to promoting volunteerism, and we will keep collaborating with community organisations and volunteers in whatever manner we can.
“Mayo is unquestionably a fantastic county in which to work, reside, and enjoy life. You should all be extremely proud of the work you do and the important contribution you each make as volunteers.”
The full list of award winners is as follows:
Burial Ground of the Year
St.Tiernan’s Cemetery, Crossmolina
Community Partnership Project
Aghamore Community Development LTD CLG
Lough Carra Catchment Association (LCCA)
Community Tourism Award
Ballina Salmon Festival 2022
Contribution to Diaspora Well-being and Engagement
The late Joe Kennedy and the Kennedy Foundation Manchester
Mayo Publication Award
Newport 300 Committee: Newport 300 – The first 200 years (1720-1920)
Fiacre Ryan: Speechless, Reflections from my Voiceless World
Contribution to the Arts Award
Scoil Acla
Community Social Inclusion Project
Ballyhaunis Community Council – Language Café
The Butterfly Garden, Swinford
Green Community Group
Climate Action Louisburgh (CALL)
Irish Language Award – Gaeltacht Based
CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh
Irish Language Award – Non Gaeltacht Based
Máirtín Ó’Maicín
Contribution to Local Heritage
Clooncundra History and Heritage Group
Outstanding Contribution to Mayo Life
The late Stephen Dunford
Cathaoirleach’s Special Recognition Award
Henry McGlade.