Outstanding Contributions Recognised at 2025 Mayor’s Community Awards
A community leader from Castletownbere and a group providing an inclusive environment for people of all abilities to participate in sports have received the top awards at the 12th Annual Mayor’s Community Awards in Cork County Hall.
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll, presented a total of 11 awards, with Donal Kelly from Castletownbere winning the overall Individual Award and Bantry’s West Cork Jesters taking home the overall Community Group award.
Mayor Carroll congratulated all the nominees and winners describing the event as a significant highlight for his term as Mayor. He said,
Mayor
The commitment by volunteers and community leaders in County Cork to making their local areas better for all is unparalleled. Their resilience, dedication and community spirit is truly inspiring and these awards are about recognising and celebrating our exceptional nominees. The standard of entries was remarkably high, and it is an honour to witness the incredible work taking place in towns and villages across the county. These awards are a small token of appreciation for the immeasurable impact each nominee and winner has on their community.
Winner of the overall Individual Award, Donal Kelly, has been a pillar of the Castletownbere community for more than 50 years, bringing his leadership and dedication to social inclusion and community development to numerous roles including Chair of the Queen of the Sea festival, Castletownbere GAA, Berehaven Golf Club, and the Berehaven Camper and Amenity Park. He founded the Beara Action Group and has been instrumental in the Castletownbere Development Association working on projects such as the community centre at St Peters.
West Cork Jesters were awarded the overall Group Award. Founded in 2018 to introduce members of a local disability support group to tag rugby, the group has expanded to include boxing, yoga, ball skills, arts, social gatherings, gardening and cooking demonstrations. The West Cork Jesters made history with the first ever Irish Mixed Abilities Ladies Rugby match, they have also participated in international events such as the IMART Mixed Abilities Rugby World Cup.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell added,
Moira Murrell
Chief Executive
Cork County Council is proud to work alongside our elected members, businesses, and community groups to ensure that our county continues to grow and flourish. However, none of this would be possible without the people who give their time, energy, and passion to strengthening the fabric of our communities. I would like to thank each nominee for their most valuable contribution.