Cork coastal group cleans up at ocean awards

Amy Campbell

Clean Coasts Ballynamona, from Cork, was announced as winner in the group of the year category at the annual Ocean Hero Awards yesterday.

The awards recognise ongoing efforts of groups and individuals to protect and preserve their adopted beaches and coastline.

In 2025, the Ballynamona organisation supported and delivered a series of high-impact coastal clean-ups, including the ‘Big Little Beach Clean’.

The group has also substantially invested in outdoor classrooms to deliver environmental education and manage 34 acres of coastal habitats, and supported local schools on their biodiversity journey.

Proinsias Ó Tuama, of Clean Coasts Ballynamona, was shortlisted for the leadership award.

The Big Little Beach Clean was also shortlisted for the community action award, St Colman’s Community College in the youth initiative category, and the Health Services Staffs Credit Union in the community champion category.

Others who made the shortlist from Co Cork were Mark McCarthy, from Schull, and Cobh Tidy Towns in the campaign ambassador category, and Clonakilty Community Resource Centre for the diversity, equality, and inclusion award.