Athlone's Aoife Doolan receives GALAS award for Síle Na Gig project

Athlone community artist Aoife Doolan has received the Arts & Entertainment award at the GALAS for her work on the Síle Na Gig float project.

The Arts & Entertainment award was selected through public vote, displaying the impact Aoife's project has had on the community.

The GALAS, Ireland’s annual awards ceremony celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, hosted its 2026 edition on Saturday, October 3.

The event took place at Dublin Royal Convention Centre at the Radisson Blu Hotel, as proceedings were led by the dynamic hosts, broadcaster and columnist Louise McSharry and comedian and actor Michael Fry.

Organised by the National LGBTQ+ Federation (NXF) and Gay Community News (GCN), the event boasted 16 categories recognising outstanding accomplishments in areas including activism, arts and entertainment, allyship, sports, journalism, business and more.

Heartlands Pride member Rebecca Tallon de Havilland was always awarded on the night, receiving the Noel Walsh HIV Activism award. She is often referred to as the first transgender woman in Ireland.

Other Athlonians nominated on the night included Christine O'Mahony who was nominated for Person of the Year, and Michelle Jinks for LGBTQ+ Ally.

Dublin Gay Men’s Chorus kicked things off, while Glória LGBT+ Choir returned to The GALAS stage once again just before the interval.

After the break, the room was treated to a selection of songs from indie folk musician Ailbhe Reddy, while DJ Glamo commanded the decks for the after-party.