AT the County Cathaoirleach Awards were (standing) Jarlath McDonagh, Lifetime Achievement Award; Anne Casey Donohue, Club pop up Gaeltacht, Gradum don Rannchuidiú is fearr sa Gaelteacht; Peter Martin, Portumna Tidy Towns; Melissa Hogan, Eyrecourt and District Community Development Co. Ltd, Social Inclusion Award; John Tarpey, Best Contribution to Heritage award; Mary O’Neill, Tuam Women’s Shed, Pride of Place; Trisha Delaney, Special Recognition Award; Marie Ruane, Belmont NS, Schools Contribution to Heritage award; Paula Gallagher, St. Colman’s Camogie club, Sports Award; Blessing Oguekwe, Make a Difference youth club, Arts and Culture award; Brian Healy, Environmental and Climate award; Brendán Ó Lainsigh, Ballinderreen Community Centre, Heritage Publication Award; (seated) Brendan Smith, Fionn Primary School Science Project, Heritage Award for exceptional impact; Michael Owens, Galway County Council; Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr David Collins and Margaret McNulty, Oranmore Tidy Towns, Special Achievement Award.

Awards honour those who ‘make a difference’

Variety of groups celebrated

Published: Fri 15 May 2026, 9:31 AM

TUAM Women’s Shed received special recognition for its work on the sensory garden in the Palace Grounds at the Cathaoirleach’s Awards in Athenry at the weekend.

The event held at the Raheen Woods Hotel on Friday, May 8, recognised the work of individuals and organisations making a difference in their communities.

Among the winners from North Galway were Make A Difference Youth Club, Tuam; John Tarpey, founder of Kilskeagh Heritage Committee; Belmont National School; Brian Healy; and Tuam Women’s Shed.

Make A Difference Youth Club delivers a range of programmes, including creative writing and spoken word workshops, giving young people opportunities to express themselves and engage with culture.

The group was awarded in the Arts and Culture category, for its works to empower young people through creativity, leadership, and inclusion.

Founder of Kilskeagh Heritage Committee John Tarpey was presented with the Best Contribution to Heritage Award.

It recognised his work on uncovering the remains of the historic Kilskeagh church and graveyard. His work led to the identification of a significant medieval archaeological landscape in the area.

Milltown’s Belmont National School was presented with the School’s Contribution to Heritage Award for its Ash Tree Project, which gained national recognition and was showcased at European level.

Now on display in Collins Barracks, it highlights a significant local tree and explores links between natural and cultural heritage.

Brian Healy received the Environment and Climate Action Award for his work supporting sustainability projects in his local area. His efforts include biodiversity initiatives, energy reduction projects and community partnerships involving sports clubs, schools and local groups.

Two additional honours on the night included the Cathaoirleach’s Special Recognition Award, awarded posthumously to Damien Delaney of Lackagh, Turloughmore.

He was remembered for his commitment to his community, his involvement in local activities and his support for heritage initiatives.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jarlath McDonagh from Turloughmore, for his significant contribution to community life, education and sport through his role as a teacher and public representative.

Tuam Women’s Shed was selected as one of the two groups that will represent County Galway in the Pride of Place Awards.

The group was recognised for its work on a sensory garden in the Tuam Palace Grounds, developed in partnership with local groups and schools. Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr David Collins stated that these awards recognise the tireless efforts of individuals and groups who work diligently behind the scenes to strengthen their communities.

“On behalf of Galway County Council and the people of the county, I am delighted to host this event dedicated to honouring their achievements and commitment to making our local areas better places to live, work and visit,” he said.