Mayo people and community groups honoured at Cathaoirleach’s Awards

MAYO’S finest individuals and community groups have been acknowledged at the annual Cathaoirleach’s Awards.

In front of an attendance of approximately 400, fifteen different awards were handed out acknowledging outstanding contributions to community life in Mayo.

The late Western People photographer Henry Wills posthumously received the Mayo Publication Award for ‘In All Kinds Of Weather’, a highly acclaimed compilation of photographs taken throughout his long career.

Mulranny Community Futures were the only nominee for the Environmental Award.

The Killasser-based Hennigan’s Heritage Centre received the Contribution to Local Heritage & Biodiversity Award.

The centre contains an old stone cottage depicting life in rural Ireland in bygone days and is also used for various functions.

Castlebar Tidy Towns and Breaffy Community Council were acknowledged with the Community Social Inclusion Project Award for involving international protection applicants with local litter-picks.

The award for Contribution to the Preservation & Promotion of the Irish Language – Gaeltacht based – was given to Turas Siar, a language school based on the Mullet peninsula.

Jean Tuomey was chosen from 14 nominees for the Contribution to the Arts in Mayo Award. The Castlebar-based poet has published several works, including works in the Irish Times and national and international journals.

The Swift Conservation Project received the Contribution to Local Biodiversity and Natural Heritage Award for an initiative that has seen a 31 percent increase in the breeding swift population in Mayo.

Mayo County Council’s civic awards, which are now in their third 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 places to live.

After a public nomination process last autumn and a shortlisting process, over 100 groups and individual nominees were invited to the presentation evening, which was attended by 400 guests, which celebrated their achievements and provided a fitting platform to showcase their incredible work to a wide audience.  

The winners were:

Mayo Publication Awards – Commercial Publishers: Henry Wills – In All Kinds of Weather.

Environmental Awards - Environmental Initiatives: Energy and/or Travel: Mulranny Community Futures.

Contribution to Local Heritage and Biodiversity Awards - Contribution to Local Heritage: Joint Winners - Irishtown Heritage Group & Hennigan’s Heritage Centre.

Contribution to Community Life Awards - Community Social Inclusion: Castlebar Tidy Towns and Breaffy Community Council.

Contribution to the Preservation and Promotion of the Irish Language – Gaeltacht based: Turas Siar.

Contribution to the Arts in Mayo: Jean Tuomey.

Contribution to Local Heritage and Biodiversity Awards - Contribution to Local Biodiversity and Natural Heritage: Swift Conservation Mayo.

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

Contribution to the Preservation and Promotion of the Irish Language – Non-Gaeltacht based: Coiste Féile Sheáin Mhic Pháidín.

Contribution to Community Life Awards – Community Endeavour Award: Facefield Community Group.

Outstanding Contribution to Mayo Life: The Late Padraig Brogan.

Mayo Publication Awards – Publications from Community Groups: Waterfall Committee –Tourmakeady – Waterfall Parish Magazine 2023.

Contribution to Diaspora Wellbeing/Engagement Award: Brian O’Dwyer.

Environmental Awards – Green Community Group of the Year: Ballina Karen Community Green Garden.

Community Tourism Award: Geesala Festival Committee.

Cathaoirleach’s Special Recognition Award: Betty Goodman.