Local community activist honoured at Westmeath Cathaoirleach awards
A number of Athlone, Moate and South Westmeath people and organisations were honoured at the annual Cathaoirleach Awards hosted by Westmeath County Council at the picturesque Belvedere House & Gardens on Friday.
The prestigious event, attended by over 200 community representatives and live-streamed, recognised excellence across multiple categories including community involvement, environmental initiatives, youth development, and social inclusion projects.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam McDaniel presented awards to outstanding individuals and groups who have made significant impacts in their local communities. "Tonight, we celebrate the true heroes of Westmeath - our volunteers who give their time, energy and passion to make our county a better place for everyone," said Cllr McDaniel.
The overall Cathaoirleach Award winner was Declan Leonard recognised for his extensive community involvement spanning GAA, community recreation, and emergency support services.
Declan’s range of interests stretch from GAA and hurling to community recreation, community sports, and activities for all age groups, working with those with disabilities and older people. He is described as the first to recognise an emergency and ensure that those most vulnerable are catered for, establishing community hubs, providing transport to hospital appoints, and much more.
A category award for community involvement went to Helen Conneely, honoured for 25 years of transformative community leadership in Ballinahown.
Other category award winners were Environment & Heritage: Dalton Park Community Garden, Mullingar; Equality & Social Inclusion: Claire Garry, Mullingar; Sports & Recreation: Dermot Garvin, St Malachy's GAA; Active Elderly: Rose Wright, Miltownpass and Children & Youth: Mary Finnegan, Ballynacargy.
Chief Executive Barry Kehoe emphasised the council's commitment to supporting community initiatives: "This year we've invested €593,000 in community grants and awards, but the real investment comes from our volunteers - the countless hours and dedication that strengthen our communities every day."
The event showcased entries from over 950 registered community groups across Westmeath's Public Participation Network, demonstrating the vibrant voluntary sector that underpins community life throughout the county.
The ceremony was hosted by MC Aonghus McAnally and featured traditional Irish music, with full footage available through the Council's live streaming service.
Market Hill Residents Association, Ballymore, took first place in the Residents Association Awards and were presented with a cheque for €5,000 by Mr Kehoe. Glenidan Residents Association came second and also received €5,000.
The Eco School Awards were announced by Shane Boyne, Environmental Awareness officer with Westmeath County Council, and presented by Cllr McDaniel. The overall winner was Mullingar Academy of Childcare. Pre-school awards – 1st Little Friends Preschool and 2nd Ballymore Community Childcare. Primary schools – 1st. Dean Kelly NS, Athlone, and 2nd Mullingar Presentation Senior School. Secondary schools – 1st St Joseph’s Secondary School.
The overall winner of the €5,000 Tidy Towns Award, presented by Cllr Tom Farrell, was Ballinahown Tidy Towns. Tyrrellspass Tidy Towns came second and received €2,500.
For the first time ever, two groups in the Athlone/Moate Municipal District increased their points in the Tidy Towns competition by 12 marks last year and they, Streamstown and Rosemount Tidy Towns, jointly received the Endeavour Award and a cheque for €2,000 each.
Cllr Vinny McCormack announced that the two groups selected to go forward to represent Westmeath in the National Pride of Place competition this year were Milltownpass Tidy Towns and Westmeath Community Development Age Friendly.
A new award introduced this year was the Environmental Film Award for secondary schools. Athlone Community School won the award and a clip of their video was played. Shane Boyne, announcing the winners, revealed that the full 10-minute film will be shown in schools and in Athlone and Mullingar cinemas in June, prior to the main movies.
He said that the award was co-funded by the Department of the Environment. "We got outstanding music interpretation and expert kinetograph, fantastic directorship and proficient story adaptation", he reported.
The Age Friendly Recognition Awards were presented to Castledaly Ladies and Gentlemen Age Active Group, Moate Men’s Shed, Mullingar Shamrocks Healthy Green and Inclusive Club, and Delvin Friendship Club, by Anne Drury representing Westmeath Older Persons Council, and Anne Barr Jordan, Age Friendly programme manager.
All four projects will be entered into the National Age Friendly Recognition Award.
The STEM awards were presented by Cllr John Dolan.
The winners were Athlone Family Resource Centre, Cara Phort Family Resource Centre, Ballynacargy, Athlone Community Radio, Dun na Si Amenity and Heritage Park, Moate, Loreto College, Mullingar, and Foroige Gateway, each of which received €500.
Mr McAnally announced that the Loreto College award was to be dedicated to the former Principal Sinead Lawlor who sadly passed away recently.
First place in the Project of the Year Awards went to Mullingar Tidy Towns with second place going to Ballykeeran Residents and Tidy Towns Committee. Both received €5,000 and the awards were presented by Mr Kehoe. Cllrs David Jones, Emily Wallace and Niall Gaffney accepted the award on behalf of Mullingar Tidy Towns.