Community Champions crowned at prestigious awards!

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Pictured at the Community Awards are: Ruth Allen, Head of Community Development Department, Roger Wilson, Chief Executive, Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Kyle Savage, Sarah Travers, Compere, Paul Douglas, The Executive Office, Julir McCormack, The Executive Office and Paul Tamati, Director of Community and Wellbeing.

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