Louth County Council has been shortlisted in two categories at the 2026 LAMA All-Ireland Community and Council Awards, which recognise collaboration between local authorities and communities across the country.
The Irish Homeless Street Leagues has been nominated in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category, sponsored by Healthy Ireland. Funded through the Adult Literacy for Life Collaboration and Innovation Fund, the project combines weekly football sessions with health checks, workshops and practical supports for people experiencing homelessness or social disadvantage.
The initiative is delivered in partnership with Dundalk Simon Community, Drogheda Homeless Aid, the FAI, the HSE Health Promotion Team, Dundalk FC, Drogheda United and The Red Door Project. It promotes physical activity, confidence and wellbeing, while also providing access to literacy supports and addiction awareness talks.
In the Community Volunteer of the Year category, Joe Grogan, Chairperson of the Louth Older People’s Council, has been shortlisted in recognition of his leadership in advancing the Age Friendly Programme in Louth.
Since taking on the role in 2023, Joe has championed projects that tackle ageism, supported the development of the forthcoming Louth Age Friendly Strategy 2026 to 2031, and helped establish initiatives such as the Ardee Garden Care and Repair Programme, which previously received a LAMA award and addresses isolation among older people.
Louth was the first county in Ireland to receive Age Friendly accreditation from the World Health Organisation in 2008 and continues to lead in embedding age-friendly principles across its services.
Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said the nominations highlight the strong community-focused work taking place across the county. He said the Irish Homeless Street Leagues and Joe Grogan’s work with the Older People’s Council are rooted in compassion and collaboration, ensuring that vulnerable groups and older people in Louth feel supported, valued and included.
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said the nominations reflect the council’s commitment to building stronger, healthier and more inclusive communities. He said the Irish Homeless Street Leagues shows how innovative partnerships can break down barriers and create opportunities for those most in need, while Joe Grogan’s leadership in the Age Friendly Programme demonstrates the impact of volunteerism in shaping a county where older people are respected, supported and empowered.
The 2026 LAMA Awards will take place at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Saturday, 28 February 2026. Further details and the full shortlist are available at the LAMA Awards website.
