Mayo County Council has announced the launch of the first Cathaoirleach’s Awards in recognition of 'the services of the many community volunteer groups that work among us, and the valuable impact that work has on the quality of life of the citizens of County Mayo'.
Mayo County Council stated: "The Cathaoirleach’s Awards will honour and celebrate individuals and groups that work quietly behind the scenes to make our communities stronger, more vibrant and caring, often inspiring and motivating others to become actively involved in their communities.
"Unsung heroes are to be found in every town, village, street and road in Mayo, of all ages and from all backgrounds. While working across diverse areas of interest, they all share one important characteristic - they give freely and generously of their time to make life better for their communities."
Announcing the awards on May 1 last, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Richard Finn stated: "I am honoured to announce the first Cathaoirleach’s Awards for County Mayo. I am particularly pleased that through these awards, a platform is provided to give recognition to groups and individuals who do tremendous work in their Communities. I believe this annual event will be a wonderful acknowledgement and celebration of the very best efforts of Mayo people and it is therefore most fitting that we launch this on Mayo Day.”
The Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach’s Awards public nomination process will open soon at www.mayo.ie and the public is invited to start thinking about who they would like to be recognised for the work they do.
It is envisaged that awards will be made in the following categories (1 ) Mayo Publication Award, (2 ) Contribution to Local Heritage Awards, (3 ) Contribution to Community Life Awards, (4 ) Community Tourism Award, (5 ) Environmental Awards, (6 ) Contribution to the Arts in Mayo, (7 ) Contribution to Irish Language Use/ Promotion Awards, (8 ) Contribution to Diaspora Wellbeing/Engagement and (9 ) Cathaoirleach’s Recognition Award.
Catherine McConnell, director of services, Mayo County Council, explained: "We are delighted to launch this new and exciting awards event as part of our Mayo Day celebrations.
"The Cathaoirleach’s Awards will give a well-deserved opportunity to individuals and/or groups who have excelled in a particular area to be highlighted and acknowledged. The broad range of categories should ensure that a real cross section of our Mayo Society can be recognised for outstanding endeavours."
All applications will be considered by a panel consisting of local authority staff and invited external experts. It is envisaged that a maximum of 13 Awards will be made at an event to take place in November 2021.
Full details of the awards with timelines for opening of the nomination process will be posted on www.mayo.ie
