Ballycumber event is runner-up at National Heritage Week awards

A Ballycumber event has been recognised at the the National Heritage Week Awards 2025.

The ceremony took place on Friday, October 17, at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin, and promotes awareness of the importance of Ireland’s heritage to communities across the island.

'For the love of Bats' by Ballycumber Tidy Towns and Freshwater Ballycumber Brosna who were a runner up for the ‘Water Heritage Award, held a family-friendly celebration that combined biodiversity education with community art.

It featured bat foraging activities, a fancy dress competition, face painting, a treasure trail, and the unveiling of a community-created mosaic mural. Leading up to the event, local schools and community groups participated in mosaic workshops to design and craft individual tiles, which collectively formed the mural displayed on the day.

Offaly County Council Heritage Officer, Amanda Pedlow, said: “I am very proud to say that For the Love of Bats in Ballycumber, County Offaly, was recognised as a runner-up in the National Heritage Week Awards.

"This delightful family-friendly event combined biodiversity education with community art, featuring bat foraging activities, creative workshops, and the unveiling of a community mosaic mural celebrating local wildlife. Congratulations to everyone involved for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to preserving and sharing our natural heritage.”