The Lord Mayor of Cork launches the 2019 Community & Voluntary Awards

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mick Finn has launched the 2019 Lord Mayor's Community & Voluntary Awards, describing community groups and volunteerism as “the heartbeat of the social, cultural and educational life of our city”. 

Held annually since 2004, the Lord Mayor's Community and Voluntary Awards recognise the invaluable contribution of voluntary and community groups to the city. 

Lord Mayor Finn said he was honoured to be this year’s host.

“These awards aim to recognise the selfless and dedicated contributions by individuals and groups to their communities and their city. The awards have a distinguished history and as Cork’s longest and most authentic platform to recognise such efforts, they have, over the years, recognised and rewarded many fine recipients,” he said.

 “A special thank you to the  Echo which - as title sponsor – has  been on this journey with us from the beginning and which has being telling these stories of Cork for over 150 years,” he added.

The awards are presented to one overall winner and to five category winners. The five categories are: Social Inclusion, Advocacy and Guidance; Social Services, Charities  & Environment; Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport; Community Development and Continuing Education; Health & Well Being.

Last year’s winners included the Cork Foyer and Bishopsgrove, World As One Multicultural Choir, Ballyphehane/Togher CDP, Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill Community Garden Volunteers and Brú Columbanus, a charity which provides ‘home from home’ accommodation for the families of seriously ill patients. Mná Feasa, which provides a helpline and support services to victims of domestic abuse, won the overall award.

Eoghan Dinan, Deputy Editor of the Echo, said: “Although this event is by its nature a competition, it is at its core a celebration of all that is positive, affirming and supportive of the hundreds of organisation and thousands of volunteers who enrich the fabric of the city and in some cases shine a light on areas in need of our support”.

The closing date for nominations for the Lord Mayor’s Community & Voluntary Awards 2019 is Wednesday 20th March.

The public is invited to nominate the groups they would like to see recognised for the good work in which they engage. Nomination forms may be obtained from the Community & Enterprise Section, City Hall and are available to download here.