The Donegal Volunteer Centre celebrated the exceptional efforts and dedication of local volunteers from across Donegal at its Annual Volunteer Awards, which took place on the 13th of July in the Radisson Hotel in Letterkenny.
The event, organised by the Donegal Volunteer Centre, aims to recognise individuals and projects that have made a significant impact in their local community. This year, the Volunteer Awards honoured several outstanding projects that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to serving the Donegal community.
The awards saw 45 individual volunteers recognised for their outstanding contributions. Six project groups won awards with a further 8 project groups receiving commendations from the judging panel.
The eight award-winning group projects are as follows:
- Malin Head Heritage Group: The Malin Head Heritage Group has made remarkable contributions to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Malin Head area.
- Maghery Senior Social Club: The Maghery Senior Social Club has been recognised for its invaluable support and companionship to the elderly members of the community.
- Sunflowers Guitar Ensemble: The Sunflowers Guitar Ensemble is made up of Ukrainian children who are taught daily to play music by Ukrainian volunteers. The music is a way for the children to relax, learn a new skill, and forget about the war in their homeland.
- LYFS Letterkenny, Ukrainian Craft Group: The Ukrainian Craft Groups volunteered their time and talents to produce knitted and beaded craft gifts to donate to Team Hope, Day Care Centre and community centres across Donegal.
- Finn Valley Family Resource Centre: The Finn Valley Family Resource Centre has played a crucial role in providing vital support and resources to families in need in the Twin Towns area, supported by volunteers. Their range of services, including counselling, education, and parenting support.
- Donegal Dragons: The Donegal Dragons have been acknowledged for their incredible achievements as a breast cancer survivor and supporters club, made up of a vibrant and all-inclusive team of women volunteers.
The Ndlovu family also received a special recognition award. Since the Ndlovu family arrived in Ireland from Zimbabwe last year, they have volunteered at many events, regularly work in St. Vincent De Paul and clean Letterkenny every Sunday as a family for Letterkenny Tidy Towns.
The Volunteer Awards serve as a reminder of the immense impact that volunteers and their projects can have on society. Their selfless dedication and commitment inspire others to take action and make a positive difference in their own communities.
John Curran, Manager of Donegal Volunteer Centre, said: “We are immensely proud to honour the exceptional volunteers and projects that have made a lasting impact in our community. Their selflessness and dedication inspire us all to be agents of positive change. The Volunteer Awards celebrate their remarkable achievements and serve as a reminder of the power of volunteering to transform lives and . We extend our deepest gratitude to all the winners and volunteers who continue to make Donegal an inclusive and thriving place for all.”
Speaking at the awards, Patsy McGonagle, Chair of Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) which manages the Donegal Volunteer Centre, said: “Community groups and volunteers hold this country together. The people in this room deserve to be awarded as they saw a need and put their hand up to help. On behalf of DLDC, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the volunteers who continue to make Donegal a better place for everyone.”
Check out the photos below by Clive Wasson:
Gerard Grant, Doengal Volunteer Group and Christina O’Donnell, Donegal Coiunty Council with Leterkenny CDP at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
John Curran, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Belinda Houlihan, Mary Forker, Ini Guevara, Eileen O’Donnell, Maghery Senior Social Club and Margaret Larkin, Community Development Manager, DLDC at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
John Curran Donegal Volunteer Centre, David Hughes, Martin McGuire, Tonya Ni Churrin, Rametlon Beo and Patsy McGonagle, DLDC Chairman at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
Shane McBride, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Mollie CArr, Sarah Lochard, Annie Carr, Jump’N’Jacks, Special Olympics Gymnastic Club and Padraic Fingleton, CEO. DLDC at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
Shane McBride, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Meriem Balamane, Saliha Ziani, Lettterkeny CDP and Christian O’Donnell, Donegal County Council at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
Roksana Oliimyk, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Jenny Doherty, Letterkenny, CDP, and Margaret Larkin, Community Development Manager, DLDC at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
John Curran, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Yuliia Zhudyk, Ukranian Craft Group and Padraic Fingleton, CEO. DLDC at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
Roksana Oliimyk, Shane McBride, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Kateryna Semenko, Ukranaian Craft Group and Padraic Fingleton, CEO. DLDC at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
Shane McBride, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Amber Piper, Tony Mcnamee and maureen Jordan, Doengal Down Syndrom and Margaret Larkin, Community Development Manager, DLDC at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
Roksana Oliimyk, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Gitty McMullin, margaret Lunkett, Carol Montgomery, Roslyn Jones, Margaret Murphy, Margart Plunkett, Animials in Need, and Patsy McGonagle, DLDC Chairman at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
John Curran, Donegal Volunteer Center, and Margaret Larkin, Community Development Manager, DLDC with Mary Coyle, Jim O’Donnell, Mary McFadden, Donegal Cancer Flight Services at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
Roksana Oliimyk, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Khrystyna Khorina, Donegal Town FRC and Louise Brgan, DLDC at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
John Curran, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Margaret Murphy, Jackie Kelly, Susan Hill, Animals In Need, Donegal and Mary Coyle, DLDC at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
John Curran, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Peter McCarry , Dunfanaghy Football Club and Padraic Fingleton, CEO. DLDC at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
John Curran, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Breeda Roche and Christian O’Donnell, Donegal County Council at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
John Curran, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Diana Nantima, Khethiwe Ngobese FinnValley FRC and Padraic Fingleton, CEO. DLDC at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
Roksana Oliimyk, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Laura McCormack Ann McLoone, St Connells Museum and Christian O’Donnell, Donegal County Council at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
Shane McBride, Donegal Volunteer Centre, John Ivors, Coiste Forbartha Chnoc Fola and Patsy McGonagle, DLDC Chairman at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
Roksana Oliimyk, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Briege Boyle, Brid McGill, Ardara Care of the Aged, and Patsy McGonagle, DLDC Chairman at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
Roksana Oliimyk, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Teague McFadden, First Responders Ardara and Margaret Larkin, Community Development Manager, DLDC at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
Shane McBride, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Vincent Callaghan, Bluestack Special Needs Foundation and Patsy McGonagle, DLDC Chairman at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
Shane McBride, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Mary Browne, Ciara Toland, Ard Baithin Residents Group and Margaret Larkin, Community Development Manager, DLDC at the Annual Donegal Volunteer Awards in the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson.
