REVEALED: The finalists in the Westmeath Independent Community & Sport Awards
The finalists in the Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards 2026 have been announced.
The event, in partnership with Westmeath County Council, is designed to acknowledge the work and achievements of individuals, groups and sporting clubs in our community.
The other sponsors for this year's awards are Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors, DPD Ireland, West-Midlands Credit Union and Shamrock Lodge Hotel.
Westmeath Independent editor Tadhg Carey said: "We were overwhelmed with the level of nominations for these awards and with the response from readers. We'd like to thank all who took the time to nominate and wish to congratulate those who were chosen as finalists.
"We are fortunate to live in an area with such a strong community and volunteer spirit across both civic and sporting life."
The awards take place at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel on Thursday, November 5, at 4pm sharp.
There are four awards in each section: Community and Sport.
The finalists are:
COMMUNITY
Group of the Year:
Athlone Comhaltas & Féile na Sionainne
Heartlands Pride
Moate Agri Show
Social Inclusion:
Infinity Friends
Athlone Drug Awareness Group
Athlone Meals on Wheels
Volunteer of the Year:
Shay Hamilton
Maeve Harkins
Clare Lennon
Unsung Hero:
Doreen Holloway
Joan Larkin
Ray O'Reilly & Declan Grogan
SPORT
Young Sportsperson of the Year:
Enda Browne
Ally Duffy
Aimee Greene
Team of the Year:
Athlone Golf Club Junior Cup Team
Athlone Town Women's Team
Marist College Rugby Team
Outstanding Achievement of the Year:
Conor Hand
Oisin Lane
Matthew Whittaker
Hall of Fame
Winner: Chris Hand
The winners of each category will be announced at the awards ceremony.
An overall award will also be presented to one category winner in each of the community and sport sections.