Speaking at an awards ceremony at the Galway Bay Hotel last week, the Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Eddie Hoare said Galway City Council was proud to honour and celebrate the many people who work quietly behind the scenes to make their communities stronger, more vibrant, often inspiring and motivating to others. “The Mayor’s Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge people who commit time and effort to make their community a better place, he said.
“We all know people who despite their incredibly busy lives still find time to support neighbours, local groups and communities in a very significant way. On this, the 21st year of the Awards, I am delighted to acknowledge and celebrate true community spirit as per the long-established Irish Meitheal that brings communities together”.
The Mayor also noted that from all ages and from all backgrounds, they all share one important characteristic: they give freely and generously of their time to make life better for their communities.
Galway City Council would like all volunteers to know their contribution is very much appreciated and that volunteering is celebrated for its inherent value to our society, helping to develop vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities.
Over 80 individuals and groups, who were nominated across all categories received an individually designed Certificate from the Mayor in recognition of their voluntary activity in community life across the city.
The list of award winners in the various categories is as follows:
Arts, Culture, Heritage & Cúrsaí Gaeilge Award:
Africa United Galway for their significant volunteering contributions to the development of Galway as a city that prioritizes art, culture, heritage and language.
Residents and Local Area Award:
Tina McHugh for all her hard work with various associations in the Newcastle/Bushypark area. From fundraising to estate maintenance to implementing initiatives, Tina has become an integral member of the community.
Community Service & Social Inclusion (Individual ) Award:
Catriona Crehan for all she has done over the years, on a completely voluntary basis to welcome and encourage new Deaf members to the supports and services that the Galway Deaf Centre offer.
Community Service & Social Inclusion (Group ) Award:
Galway City Women’s Shed for creating a welcoming and an inclusive positive space for women to come together to socialise, develop and share skills and knowledge, make friends, and support each other’s wellbeing.
Senior Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award:
Marian Maloney for her extreme passion in volunteering and advocate for social inclusion. Her continued voluntary work in the community demonstrates Marian as an excellent advocate of social inclusion for everyone in the community. (and to note her Ambassador Guide Dog Leon )
Environmental Sustainability Award:
Ballinfoile Mór Community Garden for developing and nurturing a special garden that can be used by all in the community from all walks of life. The volunteers hard work and dedication over the years have allowed the garden to go from strength to strength.
Sports Volunteer of the Year Award:
Pat Madden for his years of dedication to St Micheals GAA Club and bringing all in the surrounding areas together. Pat leaves no stone unturned to ensure everyone involved in the club are looked after and he is idolised for his commitment to the local community.
Children and Youth Support Award:
Titans Basketball Club for their dedication for 20 years in providing an invaluable community service to all youth and adult basketball players, whilst continuing to improve and promote social inclusion for all members and their local communities.
Young Volunteer of the Year Award:
Hannah Oliver and Sophie Hynes for giving back to St James Ladies Gaelic Football Club by coaching the younger girls in the club. They are paving the way for younger teens to become junior coaches in the Club. They are fantastic role models and absolutely adored by all.
The Galway City Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to CrewBlu@Tribes Volunteers for their dedication and commitment to creating an inclusive and vibrant community by giving up their time to develop a para-rowing programme. This programme is fully reliant on volunteers and allows the members achieve great success and become inspirational to others to follow suit.
The winners were presented with a beautiful piece of crystal, made by Galway Crystal.
