People of the Year Awards 2025

The People of the Year Awards are organised by Ballinasloe Area Community Development Ltd (BACD), a not-for-profit voluntary group working to support and revitalise the town and its hinterland. This is the fifth time BACD will host the awards, with previous ceremonies held in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2023.

The awards aim to celebrate the voluntary work, talent, and achievements that form the backbone of our community. Many individuals, groups, and organisations make invaluable contributions every day, and these awards provide an opportunity to recognise and honour their efforts publicly.

We encourage everyone to put forward nominations so that we can shine a light on the people and groups who make such a positive difference.

Special Thanks to our Main Sponsor, Ballinasloe Credit Union. KPW Design & Print and the Shearwater Hotel & Spa are also supporting the event.

Celebrates individuals who enrich their community through creative arts, heritage, or culture, – such as music, theatre, storytelling, crafts, festivals, or heritage projects.

Recognises schools, groups, or organisations that contribute significantly to arts, culture, or heritage through events, projects, or creative initiatives.

Recognises young people under 21 who have shown exceptional talent or leadership in arts, culture, or creativity, inspiring others and showcasing youth talent.

Recognises individuals who freely give their time in sport, community, or voluntary activity to make their community a better place.

Recognises groups or organisations that have significantly improved life in their community through their work, projects, or initiatives.

Celebrates businesses that go above and beyond to support their community through sponsorship, services, or initiatives

Honours sports teams who excel in their sport and represent their area with distinction, both on and off the pitch.

Recognises athletes who excel in their sport at local, regional, or national level, showing dedication and inspiring others.

Recognises an established sports club that achieves success while also playing a strong positive role in the wider community.

Honours an individual whose lifetime achievements and contributions in sport, community, business, arts, or voluntary work have left a lasting legacy.

• All nominations received by the closing date will be reviewed by an independent judging panel.
• Judges will score nominations based only on the information provided in the forms – so please include as much detail as you can.
• Shortlisted nominees will be contacted in advance and invited to attend the Awards Ceremony on Friday, 21st November 2025 in the Shearwater Hotel & Spa.
• Certificates will be presented to all shortlisted nominees on the night, with the overall winners in each category announced at the ceremony.

1. The People of the Year Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday, 21st November 2025 in the Shearwater Hotel & Spa.
2. Nominees must agree to be nominated and should be available to attend the ceremony (or nominate a representative if unable to attend). They will not be informed who nominated them
3. Awards are intended to recognise voluntary contributions. Nominations based solely on paid or professional work cannot be considered.
4. Nominations will only be accepted on the official nomination form, fully completed and submitted by the closing date (Friday, 10th October 2025, 5pm).
5. Completed nomination forms may be:
   – Emailed to info@bacd.ie, or
   – Dropped in / posted to the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub, Society Street, H53 TH24
6. All entries will be assessed solely on the information provided in the nomination form. Judges cannot assume knowledge of the nominee’s work.
7. Decisions of the judging panel are final; no correspondence will be entered into.
8. Contact details provided will be kept confidential and used only for the purposes of the awards.

Well done to our 40 nominees and 19 International Athletes who were honoured at the 2023 Ballinasloe People of the Year Award on the 16^th of November in the Shearwater hotel.

Over 500 people attended the event to honour and acknowledge our wonderful volunteers and sporting achievements. Thank you to the Main Event Sponsors, Ballinasloe Credit Union, along with the support of the Shearwater Hotel and KPW Print Management.

1. Sive Brassil Modern Pentathlon
2. Tom Cafferky Golf
3. Meabh Deely Rugby
4. John Devine Rugby
5. Matthew Devine Rugby
6. Gary Egan Futsal Soccer
7. Godfrey Gibbons Equestrian
8. Aidan Grenham Golf
9. Shane Jennings Rugby
10. Joshua Judge Karate
11. Mike Lynch Futsal Soccer
12. Oisin McCormack Rugby
13. Mike Mullery Tug of War
14. Issac Oliver Golf
15. Beibhinn Parsons Rugby
16. Heather Payne Soccer
17. Eimear Porter Karate
18. Aoibhann Reilly Rugby
19. Colm Reilly Rugby

Nights like these aren’t possible without a large team behind it, making it all happen, so BACD would like to acknowledge the following people:

The POTY organising committee of Niall Clarke, Jacinta Divilly, Lyn Donnelly, Martina Flanagan & Carmel Greally.

The Ballinasloe Town Band, Fergal D’Arcy, Rachel Goode, Alan Kelly Audio Visual, John Finnerty Photography, Shearwater Hotel Staff & Management

Hall of Fame – Billy O’Carroll

Hall of Fame – Liam Kelly

Hall of Fame – Tom Quinn