The red carpet was rolled out at the weekend to celebrate the Community Awards 2024, with a glittering ceremony recognising and rewarding some of our incredible community champions.
A total of 34 groups and individuals from across the borough were shortlisted for 11 awards. Each received high praise for being a leading example of good citizenship and selfless dedication to better community causes and deliver positive outcomes for people from all backgrounds.
Speaking at the awards, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Councillor Sarah Duffy praised the exceptional endeavours of all those receiving a nomination.
“Our Community Awards, which celebrate the spirit of volunteering in the borough, allows us the opportunity to show our gratitude for all the hard work these extraordinary people have undertaken – and highlights the commitment each and every one of them has offered, bringing positive change and instilling civic pride.
“It was very apt that our awards coincided with Good Relations Week and this really added to the celebrations on the night as we recognised so many remarkable people who endeavour to work together to benefit others.
“I would like to take this opportunity thank you all for everything you have done and continue to do for others across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon borough, and for all our sponsors for generously giving their support on the night.”
The awards were thoroughly enjoyed by all thanks to a wonderful evening hosted at the Seagoe Hotel, a delicious banquet, musical entertainment courtesy of the amazing Niamh Node, The Girl with the Harp, and the extremely talented Dukes.
TV Personality Sarah Travers was MC for the night and made it one to remember!
The Community Awards were supported by The Executive Office District Councils Good Relation Programme along with local businesses sponsoring the various award categories.
And the winners were:
COMMUNITY ECO AWARD: Sponsored by Traynors
Winner: Taghnevan Community Development Association
INNOVATION AWARD: Sponsored by Avondale Foods
Winner: VIBE
EQUALITY AND GOOD RELATIONS AWARD: Sponsored by Thompson Aero Seating
Winner: Armagh Roma and Traveller Support Group
AGE FREINDLY AWARD: Sponsored by Tarasis Enterprises
Winner: Loughshore Care Partnership
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Sponsored by Armagh Credit Union
Winner: Conor Hegarty
COMMUNITY SAFETY AWARD: Sponsored by Turkington Holdings
Winner: Lurgan Bowling Club
HEALTH AND WELL BEING AWARD: Sponsored by Linwoods
Winner: Fitzone Foundation
Under 18 Youth Volunteer: Sponsored by Manfreight
Winner: Alex Cooper
OpportUNITY AWARD: Sponsored by The Executive Office
Winner: First Bulgarian School
YOUTH CHAMPION AWARD: Sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
Winner: VIBE
LIFETIME ACHIEVER AWARD: Sponsored by Seagoe Hotel
Winner: Pearl Snowden
