Nominations open for Lord Mayor’s Community And Voluntary Awards

NOMINATIONS have officially opened for the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Community and Voluntary Awards.

Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork — together with media partner The Echo and EchoLive.ie — have announced details of this year’s awards, which aim to recognise the enormous contribution that community and voluntary organisations make to the city.

This year the awards, which are coordinated by the Community Culture and Placemaking Directorate of Cork City Council, celebrate their 21st anniversary.

A number of previous winning groups were in attendance at the launch in City Hall yesterday, including Young at Heart Douglas Seniors, Mayfield Arts, Green Spaces for Health, Pakistani Community in Cork, and Newberry House.

Mr McCarthy praised local community groups for their role at the heart of life in Cork city.

“Once again, we celebrate the rich voluntary effort, dedication, and ‘building communities’ ethos in our city,” he said.

“More than 600 organisations are engaged in the community and voluntary sector in the city.

“In essence, they form the heart of Cork society and, in a sense, its caring DNA of togetherness and solidarity.”

Awards will be made in six categories: Arts, Culture, Recreation, and Heritage; Climate Action and Sustainable Development; Community Development and Continuing Education; Recreation, Sport, Health, and Wellbeing; Social Inclusion, Advocacy, and Integration; and Social Services, Charities, and Environment.

Three organisations are shortlisted in each category, with one being selected as deserving of special recognition. In addition to the award, a donation of €500 is awarded to the winning organisation.

One overall winner will presented with the perpetual trophy, an award of €1,000, and a bursary from sponsor The Echo/Echolive.ie.

“The spirit of community and volunteering is incredibly strong in Cork, and it is so important that this is recognised,” The Echo editor Gráinne McGuinness said.

“The Lord Mayor’s Community and Voluntary Awards are an opportunity to celebrate those individuals and groups.

“As Cork’s local paper and news website, we are delighted to sponsor these awards and to have the opportunity to highlight the tremendous work happening in Cork, day in and day out.

“The awards have given well-deserved recognition to many fantastic groups over the years, and we look forward to shining a spotlight on more great work.”

The winners will be announced at a civic ceremony in Cork City Hall on Wednesday, April 10, with nominations open until March 15.

Further information on the application process can be found at https://bit.ly/LMAWARDS24. 

The application form is to be completed online. If anyone requires assistance in completing the application, they can contact catherine_foley@corkcity.ie or call 021 4924099.