Cork projects in age friendly awards shortlist

Three Cork projects have been shortlisted for the 2026 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards.

The projects — Babusi-Didusi Razem; The Cyber Safety Project (MTU), and The Edible Town Project (Mitchelstown) — have been recognised for creating meaningful improvements to the everyday lives of older people, contributing to inclusive communities where older people can live well, feel valued, and stay connected.

Now in its 10th year, the awards were created to recognise work undertaken by organisations, community groups, businesses, local authorities, and individuals across the country to make Ireland a better place to grow older.

Catherine McGuigan, chief officer of Age Friendly Ireland, said Ireland is on “a journey of designing our communities, services, and infrastructure to meet the challenges and opportunities associated with our ageing population”.

“Through the work of Age Friendly Ireland and the Older People’s Councils, older people have a meaningful role in shaping that response,” said Ms McGuigan.

“This year’s finalists demonstrate that adopting an age friendly culture requires a top-down and bottom-up approach, and our collaborative efforts stem from the voice of older people, at grassroots level, co-designing solutions to everyday issues.

“However, local innovation must not remain local, and the strongest ideas should be recognised nationally, shared and replicated across the country.”

The awards ceremony will take place on October 8 at The Strand Hotel in Limerick, hosted by Limerick City and County Council.