Ballinasloe came together to honour its remarkable volunteers, community groups, sports leaders, creative champions and local businesses at the People of the Year Awards, hosted by BACD and supported by Ballinasloe Credit Union, the Shearwater Hotel, and KPW Design & Print. Held in the Shearwater Hotel on Friday 21st of November, the event celebrated dozens of individuals and groups whose work, talent and commitment continue to enrich the town. A capacity audience attended, representing sports clubs, businesses, charities, schools, cultural organisations and community groups from town and its hinterland. The evening also showcased highlights from the Ballinasloe Midsummer Festival, reflecting the power of collaboration among more than 40 local groups, clubs, schools and organisations. BACD Chair Seamus Duffy noted he and the Awards Committee “extended their sincere thanks to all volunteers, nominees, community partners and supporters who continue to make Ballinasloe a thriving and connected community.
CREATIVE ARTS, HERITAGE & CULTURE AWARD – INDIVIDUAL Nominees: John Boland, Michael Cusack, George Geraghty, Conor Johnston, Declan Quinn, Robbie Riddle, JJ Smith, Marie Power Winner: John Boland
CREATIVE ARTS, HERITAGE & CULTURE AWARD – GROUP Nominees: BARA Singers, Ballinasloe & District Vintage Club, Ballinasloe Heritage Society, Ballinasloe Fair & Festival Committee, Ballinasloe Town Band, Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds Committee, Galway 1925 All-Ireland Commemoration Committee, The Misleór Festival – Galway Traveller Movement, Scoil an Chroí Naofa Multicultural Committee, Winner: Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds
VOLUNTEER AWARD Nominees: Michael Burns, Brian Kenny, Pádraig Lyons, Regina Power, John Salmon, Loraine Treacy, Mary Ward. Winner: Loraine Treacy SPORTS VOLUNTEER AWARD Nominees: Michelle Creaven, Aidan Dooley, Steve Goode, Gerry Seale, Michelle Rigney, Johnny Walshe, Garry Zancanaro Winner: Michelle Rigney
COMMUNITY GROUP AWARD Nominees: Ballinasloe Civil Defence, Ballinasloe Lions Club, Hillcrest Residents Association, Poolboy Community Development Group, St Grellan’s, St Theresa’s & St Anne’s Residents Association. Winner: Ballinasloe Lions Club
BUSINESS COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD Nominees: Dolans Service Station, Gullane’s Hotel, KPW Print, Shearwater Hotel & Spa, ShopBallinasloe Team, Tríur Construction Western Postform. Winner: ShopBallinasloe Team
SPORTS & RECREATION TEAM AWARD Nominees: Ballinasloe Golf Club U18 Interclub, Ballinasloe RFC U16 Girls, Ballinasloe Town AFC U17 Boys, Padraig Pearses LGFA Junior C Team, Béal Átha na Slua / Ballinasloe Camogie Junior Team. Winner: Ballinasloe RFC U16 Girls
SPORTS & RECREATION INDIVIDUAL AWARD Nominees: Tom Cafferky, Cormac Casey, Caoimhe Flanagan, Clodagh Hogan, Keela Meehan Donnelly, Sarah Lyons Winner: Cormac Casey
SPORTS & RECREATION CLUB AWARD Nominees: Ballinasloe GAA, Ballinasloe Rugby Club, Ballinasloe & District Tennis Club, Ballinasloe Town AFC, Ballinasloe Camogie Club, Itosu Kai Kiltormer/Eyrecourt, Kilconnell Cricket Club. Winner: Ballinasloe Town AFC
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD Ballinasloe Rugby Club – to honour the club’s 150th anniversary and its lasting contribution to community and sport.
HALL OF FAME AWARD Recipient: Noel Madden Honoured for a lifetime of commitment, leadership and exceptional contribution across community life.
