Nomination entries will open until 12 January 2024 for the third Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach’s Awards, and the awards ceremony will take place early in the New Year to celebrate the individuals and groups that work behind the scenes to make their communities stronger and vibrant.

Since their inception in 2021 Mayo County Council’s Cathaoirleach’s Awards have gone from strength to strength; over 100 individuals and groups were shortlisted for last year’s awards alone with 350-plus people attending the gala ceremony for the awards presentation.

Speaking at the 2023 awards launch, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Michael Loftus said that due to his involvement with many community organisations over the years, he’s seen the work and dedication they’ve put into their local areas year in year out.

“The Cathaoirleach’s Awards offers Mayo County Council a chance to say thank you for these efforts and give due recognition for all they do. While there may only be one winner of each award, every single group or individual who is nominated should take great pride in the fact that the work they are doing is being seen and appreciated by the most important people – their community,” he noted.

Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, said that he looked forward to seeing the council once again give “due recognition to the invaluable work” that local groups and individuals in the county do for their communities.

“The Cathaoirleach’s Awards are one of the highlights of the year in Mayo County Council. We recognise that so much unseen work goes on in towns, villages and townlands in every corner of this great county by local people for the betterment of their localities.

“Having this opportunity to say thank you to them for this work and honour their contributions to the fabric of life in Mayo is something that we’re delighted to be able to do through these awards.”