Five Cork groups in frame for Clean Coasts awards 

Five Cork-based groups have been shortlisted for the Clean Coasts 2024 Ocean Hero Awards.

In October, Clean Coasts, in conjunction with An Taisce, asked the public to nominate volunteers who they believe have made an outstanding contribution to Ireland’s coastal environment for their Ocean Hero Awards.

This year, Clean Coasts has received hundreds of nominations across six categories: Group of Year, Individual Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Campaigner of the Year, Event of the Year, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award.

Shortlisted

A total of 36 groups, organisations and individuals were shortlisted for the title of Ocean Hero within each of the categories. Five Cork groups have been selected under several categories for their dedication to keeping the Cork coasts clear.

Clean Coasts Cobh, an event organised by Ballymore Community and Cobh Tidy Towns, and Clean Coasts Ballynamona are shortlisted in the event category.

This category recognises noteworthy events organised by Clean Coasts groups that have made a significant positive impact on coastal environments and community education in organising clean-up events, special talks, workshops, or education seminars.

Prionsias Ó Tuama, a member of Clean Coasts Ballynamona, has also been shortlisted for individual award.

St Colman’s College have been shortlisted in the youth category, and Mark McCarthy, a Clean Coasts volunteer based in Schull, was shortlisted in the campaigner section.

Volunteers

Developed in 2006, the programme has grown to engage more than 2,000 Clean Coasts groups and 40,000 volunteers nationwide.

For the past 20 years, Clean Coasts has grown from strength to strength, expanding and creating campaigns and initiatives aimed at enjoying, protecting, and celebrating the beauty of Ireland’s coast.

Bronagh Moore, Clean Coasts programme manager, said: “Volunteers and community groups are the beating heart of An Taisce’s Clean Coasts programme. The Ocean Hero Awards is an opportunity for us to highlight and celebrate the phenomenal work that these individuals and groups carry out in protecting our coast, day in and day out, whatever the weather. We look forward to meeting those shortlisted and to hearing about their achievements throughout the year.”

All nominees have been invited to the awards ceremony, which will take place on Wednesday, November 27, at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin.