The Galway People of the Year Awards marked a significant milestone at the weekend, celebrating their 30th anniversary with a gala banquet that drew more than 550 family members, friends, and supporters to the Galway Bay Hotel.
The event honoured an extraordinary group of individuals whose dedication, generosity, and community spirit continue to shape life across the city and county. The ceremony was led by City Mayor Cllr Mike Cubbard, Cathaoirleach Cllr David Collins, Awards Partner Basil Holian of Watchman Holdings, and MC John Morley of Galway Bay FM.
Among the recipients was John Sullivan of Gort, recognised for his longstanding commitment to the local community and Gort Cancer Support. Hubert Geoghegan of Ardrahan, a community activist for over five decades, was celebrated for his tireless fundraising efforts on behalf of numerous charities. Mary and Malachy Booth of Clarenbridge were honoured for hosting charity tea parties in their home for the past ten years and for their remarkable support of Project Malawi.
Louie Casserly of Oranmore received recognition for her extensive voluntary work with Galway Hospice, Civil Defence, and the Claddagh Credit Union. Young swimmer John Shortt of Roscam, who recently secured two gold medals and a bronze at the World Junior Swimming Championships, was applauded for his sporting excellence. Donal Lynch was acknowledged for his work in the Ballybane community, including the establishment of a Community Hub and Youth Shed.
The contribution of Lorcan Mannion to the communities of Bushy Park and Rahoon was also celebrated, spanning involvement in St Michael’s GAA, Bushy Park Choir, HopeSpace, and local drama initiatives. Galway Camogie stars Carrie Dolan, Ailish O’Reilly, and Aoife Donohue were recognised as sporting role models whose achievements continue to inspire young people.
The Cairdeas Disco Volunteers of Lackagh were honoured for more than 20 years of dedicated service supporting people with additional needs. Row to Recovery, a volunteer-led charity helping cancer survivors rebuild strength and emotional wellbeing through rowing, also received a well-deserved award.
Further recognition went to Jimmy Glynn of Dunmore and New York for his work fostering community among Irish immigrants, and to Ann Mitchell of Menlough for a lifetime of local voluntary service. John Pardy of Lawrencetown, co-founder of the Bone Marrow for Leukaemia Trust in 1980, was applauded for helping raise over a million pounds within four years and supporting Ireland’s first successful transplant at St James’s Hospital.
A special presentation concluded the evening, honouring Keith Finnegan, Mary Bennett, and Jack McCann for two decades of steadfast support to the awards and the wider community.
