Community Spirit Honoured at dlr Community & Volunteer Awards 2026

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council proudly hosted the dlr Community and Volunteer Awards 2026 on last night at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire where community groups and volunteers from across the county were honoured for their exceptional contributions to local communities.

The evening was a celebration of the remarkable people and organisations whose dedication, generosity and community spirit continue to enrich life across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. Whether supporting young people, promoting inclusion, enhancing local spaces, strengthening community connections or providing vital services, each has made a lasting and positive impact in their community. Their commitment embodies the very best of volunteering and community action and serves as an inspiration to others throughout the county.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Barry Saul commended all the groups and volunteers who took part, saying:

''This evening is not only a celebration of our nominees and award recipients, but also of the wider network of volunteers, community groups and supporters who make such an extraordinary contribution to community life”.

The awards ceremony brought together volunteers, community leaders, elected members, Council staff and guests to celebrate the people and organisations making a real difference across the county. From environmental and cultural initiatives to youth programmes, social inclusion projects and community development activities, this year’s nominees and winners showcased the remarkable commitment, compassion and civic pride that continue to strengthen communities throughout dlr.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire County Council also thanked the volunteers and community groups for their ongoing commitment and work: 

''The nominations received this year are truly inspiring and showcase the breadth and depth of the work being carried out across the county. They tell stories of volunteers giving their time selflessly, of groups coming together to support one another, and of individuals whose leadership and vision are helping to create stronger, more connected communities.''

36 volunteer nominations and 29 community group nominations were formally recognised, reflecting the remarkable contributions made by individuals and organisations across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. Awards were presented to both volunteers and community groups in recognition of the positive impact they have on community.

The categories for Community & Volunteer Awards 2026 were as follows: 

• Community Organisation  
• Volunteer-Led Community Group
• Good Governance 
• Moment to Celebrate 
• Community Collaboration 
• Volunteer of the Year 
• Committee Member of the Year

Awards were presented by An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Barry Saul, together with Deirdre Baber, Director of Services, Community, Cultural Development and Parks, and Mary Ruane, Senior Executive Officer, Community, Cultural Development and Parks. They were honoured to recognise the outstanding achievements of this year's nominees, runners-up and winners and to celebrate the invaluable contribution they make to communities across dlr.

List of winners

Groups

Runner Up 

Winner 

Moment to Celebrate 

St. Mary's Football  Club 

Dundrum Arch Club 

Good Governance 

South Dublin Volleyball  Club 

Shankill Senior  Centre 

Community  Collaboration 

Shankill Ballybrack  Community First Responders 

Cuala GAA Club, Social  Integration Project 

Volunteer-led Community  Group 

Living Well with  Dementia 

Kill Avenue Deansgrange  Tidy Towns 

Community  Organisation 

Open Spectrum 

Shanganagh Park House  Community Centre 

Volunteers

Runner up

Winner

Special Recognition Award  -1 

Gerry Mulvey  

Charity Tractor  Run  

Special Recognition Award  -2 

Casey Devlin  

Community Led Youth  Work  

Special Recognition Award  -3 

Ken  Fitzpatrick  

Remarkable  Achievement  

Special Recognition Award  -4 

Older Person Council  dlr  

25-year journey of  service  

Committee Member of the  Year 

Catherine Harris- 

Dun Laoghaire Tidy  Towns 

Eimear Byrne- 

8ú Calafort Dun Laoghaire  Sea Scouts 

Volunteer of the  Year 

Pam Brady- 

Shanganagh Community  Gardens 

Brian Power- 

Order of Malta Dundrum  Unit