Community spirit took centre stage in Dún Laoghaire on 5 November, as Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council celebrated the people and organisations strengthening local life. The dlr Community and Volunteer Awards 2026 recognised volunteers, community groups and projects from across the county at an event in the Royal Marine Hotel.
The ceremony highlighted work ranging from youth development and social inclusion to environmental projects, cultural initiatives and practical community services. In total, 36 volunteer nominations and 29 community group nominations were formally recognised.
Dublin news: local service recognised across seven categories
The awards brought together volunteers, community leaders, elected representatives, council staff and guests. Cllr Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, praised the nominees and the wider network supporting community activity across the county.
The 2026 awards categories were:
- Community Organisation
- Volunteer-Led Community Group
- Good Governance
- Moment to Celebrate
- Community Collaboration
- Volunteer of the Year
- Committee Member of the Year
Presentations were made by Cllr Saul, Deirdre Baber, Director of Services for Community, Cultural Development and Parks, and Mary Ruane, Senior Executive Officer in the same area.
Winners recognised for community impact
Group awards
- Moment to Celebrate: Dundrum Arch Club, with St Mary’s Football Club as runner-up.
- Good Governance: Shankill Senior Centre, with South Dublin Volleyball Club as runner-up.
- Community Collaboration: Cuala GAA Club’s Social Integration Project, with Shankill Ballybrack Community First Responders as runner-up.
- Volunteer-Led Community Group: Kill Avenue Deansgrange Tidy Towns, with Living Well with Dementia as runner-up.
- Community Organisation: Shanganagh Park House Community Centre, with Open Spectrum as runner-up.
Volunteer awards
- Special Recognition Award 1: Charity Tractor Run.
- Special Recognition Award 2: Community Led Youth Work.
- Special Recognition Award 3: Remarkable Achievement.
- Special Recognition Award 4: 25-year journey of service.
- Committee Member of the Year: Eimear Byrne of 8ú Calafort Dun Laoghaire Sea Scouts.
- Volunteer of the Year: Brian Power of the Order of Malta Dundrum Unit.
Runners-up in the volunteer categories included Gerry Mulvey, Casey Devlin, Ken Fitzpatrick, the Older Person Council dlr, Catherine Harris of Dun Laoghaire Tidy Towns and Pam Brady of Shanganagh Community Gardens.
Why the awards matter to Dublin communities
The event offered a public acknowledgement of the time and effort invested in local initiatives throughout Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. Council Chief Executive Frank Curran thanked the nominees and community organisations, noting the range of work being delivered by volunteers and groups across the county.
From tidy towns and community gardens to youth work, sport, social integration and support for older people, the winners reflect the varied ways residents contribute to their neighbours and local areas. Their recognition also demonstrates how community-led projects can build stronger connections and encourage wider participation.
The 2026 ceremony provided a clear reminder that volunteering remains central to community life in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The key takeaway from this Dublin news story is simple: local action, sustained over time, continues to make a meaningful difference.