The participants from Louth Volunteer Centre’s Empowering You, Empowering Our Community programme, pictured at the Trustees’ Week celebration at Bellingham Castle
Volunteers from across County Louth were recognised for their contribution to local communities at a special Trustees’ Week celebration hosted by Louth Volunteer Centre at Bellingham Castle on 4 November.
Almost 100 guests attended the event, including volunteers, community leaders, elected members and representatives from local organisations.
The evening also marked the graduation of 30 participants from Louth Volunteer Centre’s Empowering You, Empowering Our Community programme, which helps people develop the skills and confidence needed to join the boards of local community and voluntary organisations.
Volunteer leaders recognised
Six people were honoured through the annual Louth Volunteer Leader Awards, recognising leadership, commitment and service in the voluntary sector.
The award winners were:
- Trustee Award: Annamarie Lawlor, Irish Girl Guides
- Louth Volunteer Leader Award, South Louth: Ejiro O’Hare Stratton, Hands4Unity CLG
- Louth Volunteer Leader Award, Mid Louth: Austin McKenny, Ardee Tidy Towns
- Louth Volunteer Leader Award, North Louth: Damien Mackin, 1903 Dundalk FC Supporters Club and Special Olympics Committee
- Leading Young Volunteer: Sophie Cassidy, Irish Girl Guides
- Volunteer of the Year: Lukman Oyetunji, Ardee Tidy Towns
The event was attended by a number of local elected members, including Cllr Declan Power, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, Cllr Maeve Yore and Cllr Bernie Conlon.
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, also attended and helped present the awards.
Kayleigh Mulligan, manager of Louth Volunteer Centre; Jennifer Connolly Redican, Louth Volunteer Centre board; Cllr Declan Power, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, and David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Councilat the Trustees’ Week celebration at Bellingham Castle
Kayleigh Mulligan, Manager of Louth Volunteer Centre, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who joined us for this special celebration. Volunteering is at the heart of every community in Louth, and our award winners, nominees and graduates demonstrate the enormous difference that volunteers make every day.
It was particularly encouraging to see the diversity among this year’s graduates and nominees, reflecting the positive integration work taking place across the county through our partnership with Louth County Council’s Local Authority Integration Team. Together, we are helping more people become involved in community life and leadership.”
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: “Louth County Council is proud to work alongside Louth Volunteer Centre in supporting and promoting volunteering throughout the county. The success of programmes such as Empowering You, Empowering Our Community demonstrates how strong partnerships can help build more inclusive, resilient and connected communities.
I would like to congratulate all of this year’s award recipients and graduates and thank every volunteer whose dedication helps make Louth such a vibrant place to live, work and visit.”
Over 55 & Thriving documentary
The celebration follows the recent release of Louth Volunteer Centre’s Over 55 & Thriving documentary.
Supported by Age Friendly Louth, the film highlights older people across the county who are leading active, connected lives through volunteering.
The documentary premiered at An Táin Arts Centre in September and is available to watch on Louth Volunteer Centre’s Facebook page.
More information about Louth Volunteer Centre and volunteering opportunities across County Louth.
