In pictures: Carndonagh honours its best at Business and Community Awards

There was a real sense of pride in the air at the Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa on Saturday night as

There was a real sense of pride in the air at the Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa on Saturday night as Carndonagh gathered for the 2025 Business & Community Awards Gala, hosted by Visit Carndonagh.

gathered for the 2025 Business & Community Awards Gala, hosted by Visit Carndonagh.

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The event, now a much-loved fixture in the local calendar, drew a full house of business owners, volunteers, sports leaders, and community groups — all united in celebrating the people who keep the town thriving.

Eight awards were presented on the night, each one recognising a different thread in the fabric of Carndonagh life. From retailers and cafés to frontline volunteers and sports organisations, the winners reflected the breadth of energy and commitment that continues to lift the town.

SuperValu claimed Retailer of the Year, while Corner Coffee picked up Eatery of the Year for its warm welcome and community presence. TR Fitness earned Service Provider of the Year, and Carndonagh GAA took home Sports Club of the Year.

One of the loudest cheers of the night came when Liam Farren, known for his friendly face at Simpson’s Bar & Restaurant, was named Employee of the Year.

But the moment that will be remembered longest came when Mary Doherty (Saddler) was announced as Volunteer of the Year. The room rose to its feet for a standing ovation that seemed to pour out years of gratitude. Mary’s dedication to Lifeline (Inishowen) — a domestic violence support service working quietly and compassionately with women and children — has touched countless lives. Mary’s tireless, often unseen work drew deep emotion from the crowd, and she was visibly overjoyed as she accepted the award.

Carndonagh Tidy Towns took home Charity/Community Group of the Year, a nod to the team’s continuous efforts to keep the town looking its best. The night’s final award, Pub of the Year, went to Joyce’s, a business long associated with good music, great hospitality, and community spirit.

Speaking after the ceremony, Tina O’Donnell, Chairperson of the Carndonagh Traders Association, summed up the mood of the evening:

“Events like this show the true heart of Carndonagh. So much of what makes this town special is done quietly — people helping neighbours, supporting charities, lifting each other up. Tonight, we get to shine a light on that.”

Visit Carndonagh extended warm thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, and partners whose support made the gala possible, noting that their contribution helps ensure the awards continue as a meaningful celebration of local pride.

SuperValu was named Retailer of the Year, Liam Farren of Simpson’s Bar & Restaurant awarded Employee of the Year, Corner Coffee chosen as Eatery of the Year, Carndonagh GAA recognised as Sports Club of the Year, TR Fitness winning Service Provider of the Year, Mary Doherty of Saddler and Lifeline Inishowen honoured as Volunteer of the Year, Carndonagh Tidy Towns selected as Charity/Community Group of the Year, and Joyce’s taking the title of Pub of the Year.

The evening’s most emotional and uplifting moment came when Mary Doherty(Saddler)was awarded Volunteer of the Year for her tireless contribution to Lifeline (Inishowen). Her work with the domestic violence service has supported countless women and children in difficult times. When she was announced as the winner, the room erupted in applause — Mary, visibly moved, expressed gratitude for the recognition.

Speaking at the gala, Tina O’Donnell, Chairperson of the Carndonagh Traders Association, said: “Tonight showed exactly who Carndonagh is — a community that cares, works quietly, and makes a difference without fanfare. Mary’s commitment to Lifeline and so many others’ dedication prove that our strength lies in our people.”

Visit Carndonagh also paid tribute to the many volunteers, sponsors, and local partners who made the night run so smoothly. Their collective support underscores how this gala is more than an awards show — it’s a reflection of shared pride and investment in our town’s future.