Soroptimists recognised for dedication over 35 years

The visitor centre at Belvedere House and Gardens was filled to the brim last Friday week as organisations and pillars of the community turned out in numbers for the 20th annual Cathaoirleach Awards.

The event was opened by Annette Barr Jordan of the Westmeath County Council Community Development Department, and MCd by Aonghus McAnally, who began with a magic card trick.

“It’s a special privilege to be able to welcome you all here to the 20th anniversary of the Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach Awards,” said Ms Barr Jordan, commencing the event.

“These awards have always had a special place in the work we carry out in Westmeath County Council.

“They give us the chance to catch up with groups and individuals we work with on a continuous basis throughout the year, and celebrate what real community spirit is.”

Aonghus followed announcing winners in between jokes that had the audience in tears. He even made time to tease the county councillor of relatively the same name, Aengus O’Rourke.

Aside from the fun, Aonghus made sure to compliment the work of the individuals and groups that were being honoured that evening.

“What I love about tonight and the Cathaoirleach Awards is that we are celebrating every one of you in your own place,” he said. “I think the world has become very singular, people are focused on themselves all the time – it’s really rewarding when you see this.

“Why don’t you all give each other a round of applause for everything you’ve done.”

Following Aonghus An Cathaoirleach Cllr Aoife Davitt delivered her remarks as Gaeilge and in English.

“Tonight is a particularly significant occasion as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Cathaoirleach Awards. Over the last two decades, these awards have shone a light on the best of Westmeath – the individuals and the groups that might often go without recognition to support others.

“They strengthen their communities and enrich the lives of people across our county.”

Cllr Davitt referenced the significance of her holding the position. “It’s a personal honour for me to stand here tonight as the first female Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council. I hope this evening reflects not only the pride that we have in our county and our communities, also the progress that we continue to make as a county that involves and values inclusion, equality, opportunity and participation for all.

“While anniversaries give us the opportunity to look back with pride, they also remind us of the people and communities whose dedication continues to shape the future of Westmeath every day.”

Westmeath County Council chief executive Barry Kehoe also addressed the audience. “I want to acknowledge Cllr Aoife Davitt in her role of Westmeath County Council, and thank her for the fantastic leadership she has given to the council over the last 12 months. It has been exemplary.

“Tonight we celebrate all the individuals and groups who have dedicated themselves to making Westmeath a great place to live and a great place to visit and a place we can all be proud of.”

Cathaoirleach Awards:

Overall Cathaoirleach Award: Soroptimists Mullingar and District, recognised for their dedication and commitment for 35 years to improving the lives of women and girls.

Community Involvement: PJ Kennedy, Clann Lir CCÉ, honoured for his lifelong contribution to the musical landscape in Westmeath.

Heritage and Environment: Gaeltacht Átha Luain, acknowledged for creating a thriving community space promoting the Irish language.

Social Inclusion and Equality: Cathy Whelehan, celebrated for her vital work with the community in Rochfortbridge and surrounding areas.

Recreation and Sports: Sean Galligan, recognised for 40 years of dedication to Mullingar Bridge Club.

Active Elderly: An Grianán (Golden Years), honoured for their inclusive and longstanding work in providing social inclusion opportunities for older people.

Children and Youth: Westmeath Community Games, celebrated for providing sporting and cultural opportunities for young people for 50 years.

Community awards:

Schools Environmental Competition

Preschool winners: Second place, Ballymore Community Childcare. First Place, Green Park Montessori.

Primary School Winners: Presentation Junior School.

Secondary School winners: Second place: St Joseph’s Project No 2. First Place, Loreto College.

Overall Winner: Dean Kelly National School.

Secondary Schools Environmental Film Awards: Winners: St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge.

Tidy Towns Awards

Overall Winner: Ballinahown Tidy Towns.

Mullingar Kinnegad MD Tidy Towns: 1st place, Multyfarnham Tidy Towns, 2nd place Castlepollard Tidy Towns.

Mullingar Kinnegad MD Tidy Towns Endeavour Awards 1st place: Milltownpass, 2nd Place: Collinstown Tidy Towns.

Athlone Moate MD: Tyrrellspass Tidy Towns.

Athlone Moate MD: Endeavour Awards 1st: Castledaly Tidy Towns.

Athlone Moate Endeavour Awards joint 2nd: Glasson Tidy Towns and Moate Tidy Towns.

Pride of Place Awards

Esker House Domestic Abuse Support Service.

Age Friendly Recognition Awards:

St Mary’s Rochfortbridge.

Athlone Community Services Council.

St Dominic’s Community Council.

BMB Archive.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Awards:

Mullingar Community College TY Student Group

Athlone Family Resource Centre

1st/10th Westmeath Scout Group Mullingar

Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park

Community Project of the Year:

Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society.

St Owen’s Graveyard and Church Restoration Group.

Loughnavalley GAA Healthy Club.

Athlone Canal Heritage Committee.

Moate Railway Station Group

Residents Association Project Award:

Stoneleigh Residents Association.

Kingscourt Residents Association.

Coolevin Park Residents Association.