A prominent community activist
Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards in association with Westmeath County Council
Padraig Hegarty: Volunteer of the Year finalist
Padraig Hegarty is a native of Baylough, Athlone, who has made a name for himself as an instrumental figure in community activism over the years.
A Social Care Practitioner with a Masters Degree in Advanced Social Science, Padraig Hegarty is known for helping out many of those in need without hesitation.
Since 2024, he has acted as the chairperson of the Athlone River Festival committee, which has become an important celebration for Athlone, giving the town the opportunity to showcase all it has to offer.
This year, the festival, which ran over the course of the August bank holiday weekend, saw a 50% increase in the number of activities. From Viking experiences, kayak and longboat racing to self defence workshops and a burlesque show hosted by Only After Dark Burlesque, Athlone River Festival had it all.
The weekend was filled with live music, markets, art exhibitions and theatrical performances, something which was possible thanks to Padraig, and others, seeing the vast potential Athlone River Festival had to offer, and continually investing his time and effort into it.
St Hilda's Special School was the fundraising affiliation organisation for this year's Athlone River Festival, with Padraig making the €1,700 cheque presentation to the school in September.
The feedback following the festival was highly positive, and Padraig is motivated to make next year even bigger and better He is also chairperson of Athlone Family Resource Centre, an invaluable resource in Athlone. The organisation offers supports and services to individuals and families facing a wide range of issues as well as adult and adolescent counselling. The centre also facilitates local community development actions such workshops, food and toy appeals and family events such as the Halloween family fun day at Athlone Regional Sports Centre which took place recently.
In addition, Padraig is highly active in Athlone’s sport scene, acting as committee member for St Peter’s Football Club, and he played a vital role in securing a grant from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for the club in 2024. Padraig also acted as PRO for Athlone Boat Club
He has earned his nomination for his continuous passion and drive for Athlone and his deep commitment to his local community.
The Volunteer of the Year award finalists are Padraig Hegarty, Elaine Howlin, and Joanne O'Connor, Jim O'Connor Memorial Castle to Castle Swim Committee.
The Volunteer of the Year award is sponsored by Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors LLP