The driving force behind Athlone's first Pride parade

Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards in association with Westmeath County Council

Group of the Year finalist: Heartlands Pride

Heartlands Pride Athlone is a community-led Pride organisation based in Athlone, now proudly expanding its presence into Monksland and the wider Midlands region.

Established to celebrate and support the LGBT+ community and its allies, the group has become well known for its vibrant and inclusive Winter Pride Festivals held annually each November. This year the group organised Athlone first ever Pride parade.

Heartlands Pride Athlone also runs a regular social club designed to provide a safe, supportive and enjoyable space for LGBT+ individuals and allies to meet, socialise and build friendships.

Thanks to funding support from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the group organises between one and two activities each month.

These activities range from social gatherings and workshops to cultural outings and wellness-focused events.

This year, Heartlands Pride marked a major milestone, with the organisation hosting Athlone first Pride parade during their inaugural Summer Pride Festival.

The parade was held in memory of the late Michael Woods, who had sought to organise Athlone’s first Pride parade in 2021 before plans were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It featured Irish transgender rights and HIV/AIDS activist Rebecca Tallon de Hallivan, as the Grand Marshal, as well as a handmade Sile Na Gig sculpture, and a visit by Stonewall riot survivor and activist Jay O'Toole.

Heartlands Pride is run by a committee led by chairperson and founding member Christine O'Mahony, and has grown from a small coffee shop meet up in 2023 to the Pride Parade and Festival in 2026. Other committee members include Daryn O’Hara, Michael Craughwell, Rachel Kavanagh, Ciaran Hanniffy, Aisling O’Rourke, Barry Toomey, John Toomey, Jake Kinahan, Sheena Bermingham, Michelle Jinks, Tom Hanevy, Ben Hudson, Trisha Gormley, Simon McGlynn, Laila Byadi Semia, Edyta Ćwik, and Peter Scully.

Those putting Heartlands Pride forward for nomination recognised the group's efforts to provide a safe and inclusive space for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, as well as supporting local artists and musicians by allowing them to take part in their events.

"Heartlands Pride Athlone has always made me feel welcome," said one nominator.

The Group of the Year Award finalists are: Athlone Comhaltas/Féile na Sionainne, Moate Agricultural Show and Heartlands Pride.