The winners of Galway City Council’s Mayor’s Awards have been announced.
Speaking at an awards ceremony at the Galmont Hotel on Wednesday 29 April 2026, the Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Mike Cubbard said that Galway City Council was proud to honour and celebrate the many people who offer their skills and compassion without expecting anything in return, and who serve as role models for us all.
Speaking on the winners and nominees at the awards, Mayor Mike Cubbard said, “The Mayor’s Awards provide an opportunity to shine a light on those whose volunteer efforts have gone above and beyond. On this, the twenty third year of the Awards, it is my great honour and privilege as Mayor of Galway to host this celebration to acknowledge the incredible contributions of the volunteers in our community.”
The Mayor also noted that, "The nominees illustrate that Galway City is blessed to be home to an active Meitheal whose unwavering commitment of their time and energy makes the city a better place for all."
Galway City Council would like all volunteers to know their contribution is very much appreciated and that volunteering is celebrated for its inherent value to our society, helping to develop vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities.
Over 80 individuals and groups, who were nominated across all categories received an individually designed Certificate from Mayor Cubbard in recognition of their voluntary activity in community life across the city.
The list of award winners in the various categories is as follows.
- The Galway City Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Ashleigh Butler who over many years has devoted her time, skills, and energy to supporting vital charitable causes, most notably The Galway Hospice and Aoibheann’s Pink Tie – the National Children’s Cancer Charity. Through her creative fundraising and community initiatives, she has raised thousands of euros, making a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of others.
- Arts, Culture, Heritage and Cúrsaí Gaeilge Award: Galway City Partnership, Community Singing Groups - for their dedication and commitment to bring music into the heart of their communities. They have become a vital thread in creating a supportive and inclusive space for people right across the city.
- Residents and Local Area Award: Jenny O'Sullivan for her tireless dedication to improve the lives of local residents and for her exceptional voluntary contribution to the community. Her dedication to her community ensures that everyone feels included and represented.
- Community Service and Social Inclusion (Individual) Award: Joyce Mathias for her advocacy and fundraising activities for various charities and for the role she plays in embracing and encouraging integration of new migrants to Galway.
- Community Service and Social Inclusion (Group) Award: Bohermore Community Café Snipe Day Centre for providing a safe space for various ages group to come together in support and encouragement of a group of individuals with an intellectual disability in learning basic cooking and life skills.
- Senior Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award: Ann King for her volunteering works at The Galway Cheshire Home where she has volunteered for many years and where her presence and charitable work is valued greatly.
- Environmental Sustainability Award: Stitch Together Community Group in recognition of its meaningful voluntary contribution to creating an inclusive and welcoming space where individuals from different backgrounds can connect, learn, and support one another through creative activities.
- Sports Volunteer of the Year Award: Frances Daly in recognition of her extraordinary voluntary service as a swimming coach at St. Joseph’s Special School and her lifelong dedication to Special Olympics Ireland.
- Children and Youth Support Award: Bohermore Youth Matters Club for giving young people in the community a safe, supportive inclusive and enjoyable place to meet, socialise, and engage in activities together.
- Young Volunteer of the Year Award: Latisha McCrudden in recognition for overcoming the barriers and battles of coming from a marginalised ethic minority community, to being in third level college education, being a positive light for the future generation coming behind her
The winners were presented with a beautiful piece of crystal, made by Galway Crystal.
