Community Recognition Hall of Fame Award for Convoy’s Liam Mailey

THE valuable work of community and voluntary groups in Donegal was celebrated at Donegal Local Development CLG’s 2025 Community Recognition Awards ceremony on Thursday 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.

A host of awards were presented on the night – including the Hall of Fame award which was presented to popular Convoy man, Liam Mailey, Chair of the Convoy Community and Environmental Committee.

‘Small Social Enterprise’ finalist – Siopa an Phobail/ Hidden Gems

After receiving almost 60 nominations, a panel of judges whittled it down to 16 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 Lee Gooch of Highland Radio, and the beautifully handcrafted awards for each winner and finalist were made by Kilmacrennan Men’s Shed.

‘Best Community Group’ finalist – Club 50 Gaoth Dobhair.

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.

Winners of ‘Large Social Enterprise’ – Donegal Horizons CLG, sponsor PGIM Ireland, with DLDC Chairman Paul Hannigan

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.

DLDC Chairman Paul Hannigan with the winners of ‘Best Community Group, – Autism Family Support Group, Letterkenny. The award was sponsored by Tata Consultancy Services

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.

: ‘Small Social Enterprise’ finalist – Indian Community Centre, Letterkenny