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Cathaoirleach's Awards

An annual initiative to celebrate voluntary activity across our County.

What are the Cathaoirleach’s Awards?

The Cathaoirleach’s Awards are an annual initiative of Galway County Council and Galway County PPN (Public Participation Network) to acknowledge and celebrate voluntary activity across a range of areas in County Galway.    The Awards recognise individuals and groups across the following categories which are open to public nomination: 

  • Arts & Culture Award
  • Best Contribution to Heritage Award
  • Best Contribution to the Irish Language
  • Environment & Climate Action Award
  • Heritage Publication Award
  • Social Inclusion Award
  • Sports Award 

All shortlisted nominees are invited to an annual Awards Ceremony where the winners are presented with a specially commissioned designed and hand-crafted award, along with a certificate and a cash prize of €500 to use for their work. All shortlisted nominees receive a Highly Commended Certificate recognising the high quality of their work in the award category. 

Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2025 

Community groups and volunteers from across County Galway were celebrated at the Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2025 which were held in the Raheen Woods Hotel on Friday 16th May.

Award Winners 2025

  • Arts & Culture Award: Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds – for their work in expanding the range and quality of their events to celebrate traditional Irish music, heritage and culture
  • Best Contribution to Heritage Award: Katie Duane – for her work in pursuit of the maintenance and restoration of the abbey and mausoleum at Kilboght Graveyard
  • Heritage Publication Award: Michael J. Hurley – for the publication “Lackagh – A Colourful Past” which is a lovingly restored pictorial album celebrating people, places, events and celebrations of Lackagh
  • Gradam na Gaeilge: Fóram Cois Fharraige Um Pleanáil Teanga – ar mhaithe le deiseanna iomadúla a sholáthar don phobal dul in gleic leis an nGaeilge, agus an pobal a choinneáil ar an Eolas trí Ghaeilge
  • Environment & Climate Action Award: Jacinta Barrins – for devising and delivering a 60+ Climate Drive Programme to educate over 60’s about climate change and delivering it all over Galway and beyond
  • Social Inclusion Award: Sarah Ann Buday – for her work as a passionate advocator for young carers on their need for social, educational and psychological supports
  • Sports Award: South Galway Lakers Special Olympics Club – for establishing a club to meet a clearly identified gap in sporting opportunities and increasing membership, venues and sporting options in a short timeframe
  • Tidy Towns Recognition Award: Tuam Tidy Towns – for fostering a strong sense of community collaboration and becoming the first large town in County Galway to achieve Medal status in the National Competition
  • Pride of Place Awards: Clarinbridge Tidy Towns & Marconi Men’s Shed – in recognition of being selected to represent County Galway in the All-Island Pride of Place Competition 2025
  • Cathaoirleach’s Special Recognition Award – Individual: Bernie Rogers – for being a driving force in voluntary sports and outdoor activities in Oranmore, and fostering participation for all, particularly among underrepresented groups
  • Cathaoirleach’s Special Recognition Award – Group: Moyne Villa FC – for their continued development as a facility offering sports, physical activity and health & wellbeing opportunities, and support services, for everyone in the community 
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 recognise and honour their achievements and commitment to making our local areas better places to live, work and visit.
Cllr. Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway

For the full breakdown of 2025 awards, you can view the Awards Booklet below.