‘Being active in community is for every one of us’

Cathaoirleach Awards 2024

In the picturesque setting of Belvedere, the community and voluntary sector of Westmeath gathered to celebrate their collective achievements on Friday May 17 last, at the Cathaoirleach Awards ceremony hosted by Westmeath County Council.

Annette Bar Jordan from the council’s community development section welcomed attendees and those joining via live stream. She set a tone of appreciation and joy, remarking on the beautiful weather and the pleasure of reconnecting with friends and colleagues after months, or even years, apart.

“Isn’t this a beautiful setting?” Annette noted, eliciting smiles from the audience. She emphasised the purpose of the evening: celebrating the dedication and impact of volunteers. “You matter. You make a difference. Your great generosity has had a profound and lasting impact on individuals and communities in Westmeath.”

She acknowledged the young musicians who provided entertainment, highlighting the multi-generational spirit of volunteerism.

Cllr Liam McDaniels, cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, an active volunteer, spoke passionately about the importance of volunteer work. “For me, this is one of the most important events of the year,” he began, saying he was honoured to be among such dedicated individuals.

Cllr McDaniels, who recently recovered from an illness, said, “people like you keep me going”, as he underscored the significance of the awards, initiated to honour those who have given special service to community life, creating strong and vibrant communities throughout Westmeath.

The nominees recognised represent the diverse spectrum of volunteer activities, from supporting youth and the elderly to enhancing arts, culture, and sports, and Cllr McDaniels acknowledged the difficulty in selecting winners, as all nominees were deserving in their own right.

He closed his remarks by praising the volunteers’ efforts in fostering a positive community spirit. “Being active in your community is not just for someone else; it’s for each one of us,” he said.

This year’s winners

• Stan McCormack, overall winner, Cathaoirleach Awards

• Vincent Bagnall, Cathaoirleach Awards Community Involvement Category winner

• Helium Arts, Cathaoirleach Awards Children and Youth Category winner

• Milltownpass Tidy Towns, Cathaoirleach Awards Environment and Heritage Category winner

• Rosemount Social Initiative Club, Cathaoirleach Awards Equality and Social Inclusion Category winner

• Rahugh Social Services, Cathaoirleach Awards Active Elderly Category winner

• Joe Daly, Cathaoirleach Awards Sports and Recreation Category winner

• BCDL Friendship Club, Age Friendly Recognition Award

• Camán for a chat: Southern Gaels Seniors, Age Friendly Recognition Award

• Loughnavalley GAA Healthy Club, Age Friendly Recognition Award

• Mount Carmel Drive Residents Association, Pride of place Award – Residents Association and Housing Estates Category

• Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park, Pride of place Award – Community Tourism Initiative Category

• Clonmellon Tidy Towns, Pride of place Award – Population 300-1000 Category

• St Tola’s National School, Eco Primary Schools Award, first place

• Emper National School, Eco Primary Schools Award, second place

• Clonbrusk Childcare Centre, Eco Preschool Community Award, first place

• Na Feá Montessori, Eco Preschool Award private sector, first place

• Mullingar Academy of Childcare, Eco Preschool Award private sector, second place

• Greenpark Montessori, Eco Preschool Award private sector, third place

• Ballinahown Tidy Towns, Westmeath Tidy Towns Award – overall winner

• Tyrrellspass Tidy Towns, Westmeath Tidy Towns Award – Athlone Moate Municipal District, second place

• Streamstown Tidy Towns, Westmeath Tidy Towns Award – Athlone Moate Municipal District Endeavour Award

• Multyfarnham Tidy Towns, Westmeath Tidy Towns Award – winner of Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District

• Castlepollard Tidy Towns, Westmeath Tidy Towns Award – Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, second place

• Milltownpass Tidy Towns, Westmeath Tidy Towns Award – Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District Endeavour Award

• Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park, STEM winner Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) GRANT

• Athlone Family Resource Centre, STEM winner Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) GRANT

• Cara-Phort Family Resource Centre, STEM winner Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) GRANT

• Loreto College, STEM winner Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) GRANT

• Mullingar Handball All Stars, STEM winner Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) GRANT

• Milltownpass Tidy Towns, Project of the Year

• Cara-Phort Family Resource Centre, Project of the Year