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24 Mar 2026
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24 Mar 2026
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Ireland West Airport has announced six charity partners for 2026 as it prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary year.
Ireland West Airport has unveiled its six charity partners for 2026, marking the beginning of another year of fundraising and community support in Mayo.
The selected charities are Cancer Care West, Family Centre Castlebar, Liver Ireland Support Network, Mayo Mental Health Association, Pancreatic Cancer Ireland and Sunflower Children’s Hospice.
Airport management said the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting organisations that make a meaningful difference to communities across the region.
A range of fundraising events involving both passengers and staff is planned throughout the year. Among the highlights will be the return of the popular Portwest 5K Runway Fun Run, due to take place on the airport runway this September.
This year is also particularly significant for the airport as it celebrates the 40th anniversary of its official opening. To mark the milestone, a special celebration night in partnership with Midwest Radio will be held in May, with all proceeds going to the six chosen charities.
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The airport will also continue its recycling initiative, introduced last year, with dedicated bins throughout the terminal allowing passengers to return plastic bottles and cans through the Re-turn scheme. All funds raised from the initiative will go directly to the charity partners.
Managing Director Joe Gilmore highlighted the success of previous fundraising efforts, noting that €54,000 was raised in 2025 for six charities, including Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.
He said the airport is aiming to surpass that total in 2026.
“Last year, a record €54,000 was raised for six deserving charities,” he said. “The airport is proud to support six new charities for the coming year with the aim of surpassing the record amount raised in 2025.”
Since the Charity of the Year Programme began in 2017, nearly €350,000 has been raised by staff and passengers at Ireland West Airport.
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