In pictures: Donegal groups celebrated at DLDC 2025 Community Recognition Awards

Click on the arrows to go through the photos by Joe Boland (North West Newspix)

The valuable work of community and voluntary groups in Donegal was celebrated at Donegal Local Development CLG’s (DLDC) 2025 Community Recognition Awards ceremony last evening.

The annual event honours the incredible contribution such community and environmental groups and social enterprises make in bringing about positive changes right across Donegal.

After receiving almost 60 nominations, a panel of judges whittled it down to sixteen groups who gathered at the Finn Valley Centre, Stranorlar, to celebrate the work they do year-round to make their communities a better place. 

This year’s awards were made possible once again by the very generous sponsors - Tata Consultancy Services, Highland Radio, PGIM Ireland, and ATU Donegal.

The ceremony was hosted by none other than Donegal’s favourite breakfast show presenter, Lee Gooch of Highland Radio, and the beautifully handcrafted awards for each winner and finalist were made by Kilmacrennan Men’s Shed.

Opening the awards ceremony, DLDC Chairman Paul Hannigan acknowledged the important contributions volunteers make in Donegal and thanked them for the work they do.

‘Best Community Group’ was awarded to Autism Family Support Group, Letterkenny, with Ballybofey & Stranorlar Women’s Group, Cairdeas Na BhFidiléirí, and Club 50 Gaoth Dobhair among the finalists.

Donegal Domestic Violence Services was recognised as ‘Best Small Social Enterprise’ who were nominated alongside fellow finalists Extra Time, Kilmacrennan, Indian Community Centre, Letterkenny, and Donegal Siopa an Phobail/ Hidden Gems.

BAISCC Twin Towns, Cara House Family Resource Centre, Donegal Horizons CLG, and Lifford Old Courthouse were all announced as finalists in the ‘Best Large Social Enterprise’ category. Donegal Horizons CLG was named the overall winner.

Rathmullan Coast Care and Tidy Towns was named ‘Best Environmental Impact Project’ with the runners up, Deele Community Anglers, Dunfanaghy Tidy Towns, and Friends of Rossnowlagh, like all categories, very worthy winners.

The final award, the Hall of Fame Award, went to Liam Mailey, Chair of the Convoy Community and Environmental Committee.

In presenting the award, DLDC Chairman, Paul Hannigan said: “For more than two decades, Liam has remained fully committed to his volunteer work and to the ongoing development and enhancement of Convoy as a vibrant, welcoming town. Through his strong leadership and hands-on approach, he has guided and supported many community projects and improvements.”

Winners:

Hall of Fame - Liam Mailey 

Best Community Group, sponsored by Tata Consultancy Services - Autism Family Support Group, Letterkenny, a parent-led initiative that offers vital support to families with children and autism through events. Many of the volunteers give their time selflessly to help families thrive.

Category finalists: Autism Family Support Group, Letterkenny, Ballybofey & Stranorlar Women’s Group, Cairdeas Na BhFidiléirí, Club 50 Gaoth Dobhair

Small Social Enterprise, sponsored by Highland Radio - Donegal Domestic Violence Services which provides a safe and empowering space for women escaping abuse while also helping them regain confidence and independence.

Category Finalists: Extra Time, Kilmacrennan, Indian Community Centre, Letterkenny, Donegal Domestic Violence Services, Siopa an Phobail/ Hidden Gems

Large Social Enterprise, sponsored by PGIM Ireland - Donegal Horizons CLG, which supports adults with disabilities through sports, arts, and work placements, building confidence and promoting inclusion.

Category Finalists: BAISCC Twin Towns, Cara House Family Resource Centre, Donegal Horizons CLG, Lifford Old Courthouse

Best Environmental Impact Project, sponsored by ATU Donegal – Rathmullan Coast Care + Tidy Towns, a group dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability which has already received national recognition was last evening named.

Category Finalists: Deele Community Anglers, Dunfanaghy Tidy Towns, Friends of Rossnowlagh, Rathmullan Coast Care + Tidy Towns