Public invited to nominate local heroes for 2026 Lord Mayor’s Awards
If there’s someone you believe deserves some extra recognition, now is the time to shine a light on the local heroes in your community.
The Lord Mayor’s Awards are back for 2026 and, for the first time, the public are being asked to nominate the individuals and groups they believe are making a difference to the city every day. As a celebration of the very best of Dublin , this is a chance to highlight the quiet achievers and committed champions whose kindness, service and dedication strengthen the life of the capital in ways both big and small.
Since 1989, the Lord Mayor’s Awards have honoured the remarkable people and organisations who go above and beyond to make life better for others across Dublin city. This could be a person or group making a difference in a local club, a school, a street, a neighbourhood, a community organisation, or in the lives of others through care, leadership, generosity or service.
Announcing the nominations, Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam, said: “Dublin is a city of extraordinary people. Every day, in every corner of our city, there are individuals and groups showing kindness, leadership, community spirit and quiet determination to make life better for others.
“These awards are about shining a light on those local heroes who give so much of themselves to their communities and ask for little in return. As Lord Mayor, one of the great privileges of this role is the chance to celebrate the very best of Dublin.
“I love this city, I believe deeply in its people, and I know that some of the finest examples of public spirit are found not in the headlines, but on our streets, in our clubs, in our schools and in our neighbourhoods.
“That is why this year I want Dubliners themselves to help choose the people and groups who deserve this recognition. If you know someone who lifts others up, who brings people together, who makes your area stronger, kinder or more connected, I want to hear about them. The Lord Mayor’s Awards are about celebrating Dublin city’s local heroes, and I encourage people right across our capital to make a nomination.”
Last year’s awards were overseen by then-Lord Mayor Emma Blain and featured some recognisable names. With recipients including Brendan Gleeson, Johnny Sexton, and Rhasidat Adeleke, the awards “honoured individuals and groups who have made a special contribution to Dublin and its citizens either on a local or a citywide level.”
This year’s awards ceremony will take place on Saturday 13 June in the Round Room at the Mansion House. The closing date for nominations is 5pm on 17 April.
Making a nomination is simple. Members of the public are invited to complete the online nomination form at www.lordmayorsawards.ie, sharing what makes their chosen individual or group so special and how they have made a real difference to the lives of others.
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme