Six nominees from Mayo shortlisted for Ocean Hero Awards

Six Mayo groups and individuals have been shortlisted for this year’s An Taisce Ocean Hero Awards across five different categories. The awards pay tribute to the exceptional contributions made by Clean Coasts groups and volunteers across Ireland, who are championing coastal care and protection in their communities. 

After receiving hundreds of nominations across nine distinct categories: Group of the Year, Community Champion, Youth Initiative, Campaign Ambassador, Leadership, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, Nature Guardian, Community Action, and Emerging Group Awards, a total of 45 groups, organisations, and individuals were shortlisted for the title of Ocean Hero within each of the categories. 

In Mayo, Keep Our Beaches Clean, Baile Slachtmhar Bhéal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet Tidy Towns), Bertra Connected, Achill’s Biggest Beach Clean: Féile Dú Éige, Féile Na Garrai, Circus250, Achill Tourism, Achill Surf Club, Western Care with Keep Our Beaches Clean, and Dooega Clean Coasts, were nominated across five different categories.

All shortlisted nominees have been invited to attend an awards ceremony luncheon, scheduled for December 5 at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin, to discover the winners in each category. During the ceremony, there will be panel talks and discussions on the marine environment, Clean Coasts campaigns, and the importance of community actions.  

Bronagh Moore, Clean Coasts Programme Manager, said, “Community groups and volunteers are the heartbeat of An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Programme. Every year, the Ocean Hero Awards affords us the opportunity to celebrate and showcase all the amazing work that these volunteers do, in their own time, all over the country. 

“The event is always an inspiring and uplifting occasion that serves as a reminder of the power of community and how together, we can overcome the challenges we face in protecting and caring for our coastline, ocean, marine life and waterways.”