Do you know a Mayo hero? Nominations now open for the 2025 Cathaoirleach Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach Awards, with communities across the county invited to put forward the individuals and groups making a real and lasting difference to life in Mayo.
Now entering their fifth year, the civic awards offer the opportunity to recognise the often unseen work of volunteers, organisations and community leaders whose commitment and generosity help strengthen towns, villages and neighbourhoods across the county.
The awards aim to shine a light on Mayo’s unsung heroes, people who work tirelessly, often without recognition, to improve community life and protect the county’s rich social, cultural and natural heritage.
Previous recipients of the Cathaoirleach Awards include Ballina native Dr Norah Patten, an aeronautical engineer and bioastronautics researcher with the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), who received the Contribution to Mayo Life Award last year.
Dr Pattern is set to become the first Irish person in space as part of the IIAS-02 research spaceflight.
The 2024 Cathaoirleach’s Special Recognition Award was presented to Martin Neary, who in 2022 donated his 35-acre farm to the people of Mayo.
The land, now known as the Martin Neary Woodland Park, was celebrated in July 2025 with a Crann na Saoirse ceremony, attended by Gerry Adams, who planted an oak tree in Mr Neary’s honour.
There are ten award categories open for nomination this year.
This category celebrates excellence in publishing literature related to Mayo, there are two categories for both commercial publishers and community groups.
Eligible entries include books on local history and heritage, biography and autobiography, folklore and traditions, natural history, sport, parish annuals, and other works that capture and reflect life in the county.
Contribution to Local Heritage Award
This award recognises groups whose work has made a significant contribution to the conservation, protection or promotion of Mayo’s cultural, archaeological or built heritage.
Contribution to Local Biodiversity Award
Focused on Mayo’s natural environment, this award acknowledges groups that have demonstrated leadership in protecting, managing or enhancing biodiversity and natural heritage across the county.
Contribution to Community Life Awards
The Community Endeavour Award, which recognises groups that show initiative and leadership through projects that embody partnership and deliver clear benefits for the wider community.
The Community Social Inclusion Project Award that honours organisations working to strengthen communities by increasing participation, breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion through their activities and events.
The Community Tourism Award recognises voluntary groups or social enterprises that have played a key role in developing high-quality visitor experiences in Mayo.
The Tourism Event/Festival Award celebrates standout events that deliver exceptional visitor experiences, showcase Mayo’s unique culture and heritage, actively involve local communities and demonstrate creativity and sustainability.
This award recognises community groups, voluntary organisations or businesses that actively promote inclusion, support economic participation and foster long-term integration within Mayo communities.
This community recognises local voluntary groups that have made a tangible difference in their community by improving and protecting the environment.
Contribution to the Arts in Mayo Award
The contribution award acknowledges groups that inspire creativity, nurture artistic talent, and bring cultural activities to life across the county.
Irish Language Initiative of the Year
This award celebrates a group or individual who has shown exceptional dedication to promoting the Irish language, with the 2025 award highlighting a standout initiative.
The Mayo Diaspora Outstanding Contribution Award celebrates individuals or groups who have made a significant impact within Mayo communities worldwide.
The Cathaoirleach’s Award for Outstanding Engagement with the Mayo Diaspora is an opportunity to recognise exceptional dedication or achievement that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The closing date for nominations is Friday, January 23, 2026. Full details on the nomination process are available on the Mayo County Council website.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.