THE role of volunteers and the part they play within their local communities in Donegal is being celebrated in an annual photography competition that is getting bigger and better every year.
Last week, the winners of the 2026 Donegal Volunteer Photography Awards were unveiled and winning entries offer a window into life across Donegal.
The competition, run in partnership with the Donegal News and Donegal County Museum, received over 100 entries from right around the county.
People were invited to submit photographs that showcase the role of volunteers in Donegal. The quality and diversity of entries was exceptional.
There were four categories this year and the winners are:
Volunteering in Donegal:
The winner of the Volunteering in Donegal category was Aaron Guthrie, Donegal Mountain Rescue who captured a rescue helicopter training exercise at Letterkenny Airfield.
1st Aaron Guthrie, Donegal Mountain Rescue who captured a rescue helicopter training exercise at Letterkenny Airfield.
2nd Liz Doherty, Inishowen Rivers Trust who captured a peatland restoration group in operation
3rd Nadiia Dyka, Ukraine Voice in Donegal who photographed the 2026 Ivan Kupala event at Carrickfinn Beach
Donegal Environmental Protection Volunteers:
Sally Lawerence, Mill River Conservation Group who captured a waterways environment project
A winning photo taken by Liz Doherty, Inishowen Rivers Trust who captured a peatland restoration group in operation.
Mobile Phone Winner:
Rosemarie Doherty, Inishowen Community Archaeology Volunteers whose photo shows a church restoration project in Inishowen
The John McDermott Award – Heritage Volunteering in Donegal:
Mary Rodgers, Maghery Senior Social Club who captured the making of St Bridgid’s Crosses at Maghery Community Centre.
Eamonn Boner, Manager of Donegal Volunteer Centre, commended all the volunteers for their contribution to communities across Donegal.
“The photographs captured not only the incredible work being carried out by volunteers, but also the creativity and spirit that volunteers bring to communities across the county,” he said.
“It is a privilege to be able to showcase and celebrate such exceptional volunteerism through these photographs.’
Rosemarie Doherty, Inishowen Community Archaeology Volunteers whose photo was taken during a church restoration project in Inishowen.
Presenting the John McDermott Award, Caroline Carr, Assistant Curator at Donegal County Museum, highlighted the important contribution volunteers make to preserving Donegal’s heritage:
“Without volunteers, much of the county’s history, heritage and archaeology would not be preserved or protected. The breadth and wealth of organisations, projects and people represented in this competition demonstrates the astonishing commitment of people who freely give their time,” Caroline said.
All entries went on public display at Donegal County Museum, High Road, Letterkenny as part of Culture Night last Friday.
The John McDermott Award for Heritage Volunteering in Donegal was won by Mary Rodgers, Maghery Senior Social Club who captured the making of St Bridgid’s Crosses at Maghery Community Centre.
About Donegal Volunteer Centre:
Donegal Volunteer Centre is managed by Donegal Local Development CLG and connects individuals who want to volunteer with organisations that need support. It provides advice, training, and guidance to both volunteers and community groups across the county. The Centre promotes volunteering as a valuable and rewarding activity that strengthens communities and supports social inclusion.
For more information, visitwww.volunteerdonegal.ie or contact [email protected].