PHOTOS: Winners announced at Offaly Community and Voluntary Group awards

Ten local groups were honoured at the Offaly Community and Voluntary Group awards which took place in Tullamore last Wednesday.

The organisers of the awards, Offaly County Council, said they were held "to acknowledge the commitment of groups and organisations who participate in community and voluntary activities in Offaly and to recognise the significant impact their actions have on quality of life in their communities."

Nominations were received from across the county and an independent judging panel from outside the county shortlisted the nominations to 28 finalists.

The following winners in each category were announced at the ceremony last Wednesday in the Tullamore Court Hotel:

Children and Youth Supports Award - Kilclonfert GAA All-inclusive All Stars

Environment and Climate Action Award – Fivealley Development Group Sustainable Energy Community

Health and Wellbeing Award – Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services

Older People Supports Award – Kinnitty Active Retirement Group

Culture and Heritage Award – Clara Heritage Society

Sports Award – Naomh Mhuire Athletics Club

Equality and Social Inclusion Award – Laois Offaly Families for Autism

Arts and Culture Award – The Kinnitty Players

Community Involvement Award – Killeigh Community Centre Development Association

A special recognition award was also presented to Kilcormac Tidy Towns for being the most improved group in this year’s annual Supervalu Tidy Towns competition.

Offaly County Council Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney and Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy commended all finalists for their efforts and recognised the hard work being done by community groups.