Mayo County Council honours work of community champions

The winners of the Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2024 have been announced at a community celebration evening hosted by Angelina Nugent in Breaffy House Resort.

The prestigous civic awards which are now in their fourth year, recognise the dedication and efforts of the many community volunteer groups at work in County Mayo, along with awards for publications, arts, tourism and environmental initiatives.

After an open public nomination and shortlisting process, groups and individual nominees were invited to the presentation evening, which was attended by 300 guests, which celebrated their achievements and provided a fitting platform to showcase their incredible work to a wide audience.

Councillor John O’Hara, cathaoirleach, welcomed the attendees.

He stated: “Being the Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council is an immense honour and this evening is one of the best parts of holding this role.

“It is where we get to give back and recognise the amazing work that the people of this county are doing on yearly basis. As I look out at this room, I see faces that represent the very best of our county.”

The chief executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly added: “We, at Mayo County Council, deeply appreciate the dedication and tireless effort of community groups.

“You are the driving force behind many of the positive changes we see in our county. You identify local needs, you mobilise resources, and you bring people together in a spirit of collaboration. You transform aspirations into tangible realities.

“We understand that the work you do is often done voluntarily, outside of your regular commitments, and with a deep sense of civic responsibility.”

Winners of the 2024 Cathaoirleach’s Awards

· Mayo Publication Awards: Publications From Commercial Publishers - Alice Kinsella and Daniel Wade – Wake of The Whale.

· Environmental Awards - Environmental Initiatives: Energy And/Or Travel - Castlebar Mitchels GAA Club (Energy Winner) Ballyhaunis Bike Repair Clinic (Travel Winner).

· Contribution To Local Heritage & Biodiversity Awards - Contribution to Local Heritage – Joint Winners - Louisburgh-Killeen Heritage and Cong Tidy Towns.

· Contribution to Community Life Awards - Community Social Inclusion Project Award - Mayo Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

· Irish Language Initiative of the Year - CLG Coillte Mach

· Contribution to the Arts in Mayo Award - Dooega Drama Group

· Contribution to Local Heritage and Biodiversity Awards – Contribution to Local Biodiversity and Natural Heritage - Clogher Environmental Group CLG

· Environmental Awards - Environmental Initiatives: Circular Living – Waste and/or Litter - Claremorris Tidy Towns

· Diaspora Awards – Mayo Diaspora Outstanding Engagement - Noel Howley

· Tourism Award – Tourism Business Award - Blacksod Sea Safari

· Contribution to Community Life Awards - Community Endeavour Award - One Westport

· Mayo Publication Awards: Publication from Community Groups - Moy Davitt’s Golden Jubilee 1974-2024.

· Diaspora Awards – Mayo Diaspora Outstanding Achievement - Ruth Cawley

· Environmental Awards - Green Community of the Year – Mary Robison Centre – Ballina Urban Farm

· Tourism Award – Community Tourism Award - Kiltimagh Tourism Association

· Contribution to Mayo Life Award – Norah Patten

· Cathaoirleach’s Special Recognition Award – Martin Neary