Heartlands Pride calls for support to secure LGBTQ+ GALA awards nominations

Heartlands Pride Athlone has been nominated on the long list for the LGBTQ+ GALA awards.

The awards ceremony, which celebrates grassroots organisations, local community heroes, national advocacy organisations, businesses who create positive working environments for the LGBTQ+ community, will host its 13th annual ceremony on Saturday, October 3, at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre.

Established in 2009 by the NXF and GCN, the GALAS has grown to become a staple in the rainbow calendar. We welcome over 500 guests each year to a glittering gala awards night that celebrates, lifts and inspires attendees and supporters alike.

Heartlands Pride has received several nominations on the long list for the awards, and are appealing to the general public to help get them nominated for the shortlist which should be revealed on Thursday, August 13.

The deadline to submit nominations for the awards is Friday, July 17 at 5pm.

Heartlands Pride Athlone is nominated on the long list for Community Organisation of the year, and Event of the Year for the Heartlands Pride Athlone Summer Festival 2026.

Meanwhile Chairperson Christine O’Mahony is nominated for Person of the Year, Michelle Jinks is nominated for Ally of the Year, and Heartlands Pride committee members Christine O’Mahony, Michael Craughwell, and Tom Hanevy are all nominated for Volunteer of the Year.

Nominations for the short list can be made at https://tinyurl.com/y32m8d38

Heartlands Pride Athlone would like to thank everyone for supporting their first ever Pride Parade and Summer Pride Festival.

Planning is already underway for Heartlands Pride Athlone’s annual Winter Pride Festival which will take place from November 6 to 8, and is supported by Westmeath County Council.