Hall of Fame for Joe Boland at DLDC Community Recognition Awards

Donegal Local Development CLG’s (DLDC) Community Recognition Awards celebrate and showcase the very best of community spirit in Donegal and this year's ceremony was no exception.

The annual event honours the incredible contribution made by community groups and social enterprises in bringing about positive change across Donegal.

This year, an impressive 120 nominations were received with judges faced with the tough task of whittling it down to 16 finalists.

Held at the Finn Valley Centre last evening (Thursday 5th November), the awards were made possible once again by our very generous sponsors – The Kernan Group, Highland Radio, PGIM Ireland and ATU Donegal.

The ceremony was hosted by Highland Radio's Lee Gooch.

Each finalist and winner received a certificate in recognition of their ongoing commitment to local communities, along with a beautifully handcrafted award made by Kilmacrennan Men’s Shed.

DLDC CEO Padraic Fingleton, in acknowledging the work of community organisations, said: 'The passion, commitment and determination of each of the finalists to help others is truly inspiring. They each make a real difference to people's lives and strengthen communities across Donegal. It is clear that, without such organisations, Donegal would not be the vibrant place it is today.'

The winners are:

Best Social Inclusion Community Group – Creeslough Parents Inclusive Association.

Best Small Social Enterprise/ Community Organisation – Extra Time Kilmacrennan

Best Large Social Enterprise/ Community Organisation – Crossroads and Killygordon Enterprise Centre (CAKE)

Best Community Environmental Impact Project – Blue Beyond Borders (Killybegs Tourist Information CLG)

The final award, the Hall of Fame Award, went to Joe Boland in recognition of more than 40 years of commitment to communities in Donegal.

A long-standing member of the board of Cara House, Joe has played a key role in advocating at a strategic level for organisations

including DLDC, the PPN, LCDC, JPC and Donegal Local Community Safety Partnership. He has also dedicated more than 20 years of service to Scouting Ireland.

Finalists:

Best Social Inclusion Community Group: Creeslough Parents Inclusive Association, Raphoe Seniors Friday Club, Youthland and Deep Roots Kidz Club.

Best Small Social Enterprise/ Community Organisation: The Bluestack Shack, Arcade Dungloe, Extra Time Kilmacrennan and Autism Family Support Group.

Best Large Social Enterprise/ Community Organisation: Cairde le Chéile, LATCH CLG, Donegal Women's Centre and Crossroads and Killygordon Enterprise Centre (CAKE).

Best Community Environmental Impact Project: Blue Beyond Borders (Killybegs Tourist Information CLG), CIORCAL Project (Áislann Rann na Feirste), Repair Café & Community Share Space (Raphoe Family Resource Centre) and Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter.