People of the Year Awards

BACD organised the Ballinasloe People of the Year awards in 2015, 2017 and 2019. Following a sabbatical due to Covid 19, we are delighted to announce the Event will be held again in 2023 on Thursday November 16th.

In Association with Ballinasloe Credit Union.

Supported by KPW Design & Print and The Shearwater Hotel

People of the Year Awards 2023

‘Celebrating Voluntary Activity & Sporting Achievements in Community Life in Ballinasloe’

What are the People of the Year Awards?

These Awards recognise and celebrate the voluntary work that individuals, groups, organisations & schools contribute to their community. There are 8 Award categories in total and they are open to individuals and groups from the Ballinasloe Area and Hinterland.

Introduction

These awards are being organised by Ballinasloe Area Community Development Ltd (BACD). BACD is a not-for-profit registered charity voluntary group striving to carry out both short term and long-term actions to ultimately improve and revitalise Ballinasloe and its hinterland.

This is the fourth time for BACD to host these awards, with ceremonies previously held in 2015, 2017 and 2019.

The aim of these awards is to acknowledge the tremendous amount of voluntary work carried out in Ballinasloe and hinterland which forms the backbone of our community. Many voluntary groups and individuals make invaluable contributions to our community. Our wish is that such people are formally recognised so that we can publicly acknowledge their efforts and achievements. It is also our wish to honour very special and talented individuals or groups who have achieved excellence and represented our community regionally and nationally.

In contrast to previous year’s ceremonies, we will be acknowledging our international athletes who have represented Ireland in their specific sporting fields. Our sport stars will be directly invited, and their achievements acknowledged at the awards ceremony, separate from the 8 award categories.

The 2023 People of the Year Awards will acknowledge outstanding people and organisations who, through their commitment to participating in community and voluntary activities, have had a positive and significant impact on the quality of life in their communities in Ballinasloe.

There are so many people making a difference in our community this is an opportunity to formally recognise their achievements under the format of People of the Year Awards. We encourage you to please put their names forward for an award.

Thank you to our Main Sponsor Ballinasloe Credit Union. The event is also being supported by KPW Design & Print, and the Shearwater Hotel & Spa.

What are the 8 Categories?

1. Arts, Culture and Heritage Award

This category recognises the voluntary contribution of individuals, schools, and groups to the continuing development of the Arts, Culture & Heritage in Ballinasloe. It covers a wide range of activities and events that contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life in Ballinasloe.

2. Sports and Recreation Volunteer Award

This category recognises individuals in Ballinasloe who give their time voluntarily to support and encourage participation in sport and other recreation activities. Sports and Recreation is important in creating a healthier lifestyle for the whole community.

3. Sports and Recreation Team Award

This category recognises specific sports teams who have excelled in their chosen sport and represented their town with distinction.

4. Sports and Recreation Individual Award (Local and National Level)

This category recognises specific sports individuals who have excelled in their chosen sport and represented their town with distinction at Local, Regional & National Level. (Excluding International sportspersons who will be recognised separately on the night)

5. Youth Volunteer Award

This category recognises the contribution that young people make to our society, through voluntary or fundraising work within the community. It acknowledges how young people within our community are setting an example not only to their peers but society as a whole. (Age Limit 21 or under).

6. Volunteer Award

This category recognises individuals that have made a special contribution to life in Ballinasloe and hinterland through the works which they have undertaken. It may be in respect of ongoing work or specific project that has made a significant impact on their community and its people or working with specific groups. This category is to recognise those that continue to work towards making Ballinasloe and its hinterland a better place to live. (Age Limit Over 21)

7. Volunteer Group Award

This category recognises organisations or groups that have made a special contribution to life in Ballinasloe and hinterland through the works which they have undertaken. It may be in respect of ongoing work or specific project that has made a significant impact on their community and its people or working with specific individuals or groups.

8. Hall of Fame Award (Lifetime Achievement Accolade)

This category recognises individuals from Ballinasloe who have achieved excellence within their lifetime and have been successful in the field of either sporting, professional, business, entrepreneurial or artistic endeavours.

How do I Nominate?

  1. There is one nomination form for each category.
  2. You can make a nomination by downloading the nomination form (see above).
  3. Read the questions carefully. Section A is information regarding the group or person being nominated. Section B is information regarding the person making the nomination.
  4. Photographs of the nominees will be required which will be used in the presentation on the night.
  5. You may submit extra information. Only Information supplied on the nomination form will be considered by the judges please provide as much detail as possible.
  6. All nominees must be nominated for volunteering work undertaken only. Any paid roles will not be considered.
  7. Closing date for receipt of nomination forms is 5pm Thursday 5th of October 2023.

NB: Please be aware that the nominee will not be informed who nominated them. Details from the nomination form will be used in describing the nominee in publicity about the awards and at the ceremony. All Details will be verified and agreed prior with the nominee. Personal Contact details such as address, telephone number and email will be kept confidential.

What Happens then?

  1. The Awards will be independently assessed by a 4-person assessment panel (2 local representatives and 2 external/neutral representatives) after the closing date and winners will be chosen.
  2. All Shortlisted nominees will be invited to The People of the Year Awards Ceremony on the evening of the 16th of November 2023 in the Shearwater Hotel, with MC on night, RTE Sport’s broadcaster Darren Frehill.
  3. Each individual nominee will be offered 2 free tickets for the event. For Group nominations a reasonable number of tickets will be offered to cater for the group. Additional tickets will be made available at a cost of €12.
  4. Each Nominee will be presented with a Scroll of achievement at the awards to acknowledge their nomination and details and reasons for their nomination outlined.
  5. The winners for each category will be announced and presented with their Awards after a meal and light entertainment.

What is the Prize?

All Shortlisted Nominees from each Category will be presented with a Scroll of Achievement and each category winner will be presented with a specially commissioned prestigious Award.

Are there any Conditions?

The following conditions apply:

  1. The People of the Year Awards will be held on Thursday, 16th of November 2023 in The Shearwater Hotel. The nominees must be present on the night or nominate a representative.
  2. Nominations will only be considered on the official nomination form which is fully completed and received by the closing date – 5pm Thursday 5th of October 2023.
  3. Nomination forms to be either submitted typed on the downloaded form and emailed to info@bacd.ie.ie, or posted/dropped into Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre. H53 E9R2

For queries please contact:

Lyn Donnelly
Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre
Creagh
Ballinasloe,
Co. Galway.

Tel: 090 9646516
Email: info@bacd.ie

2019 Awards

Hall of Fame – Billy O’Carroll

Category Winners

  • Arts, Cultural and Heritage Award – Ballinasloe Town Band

  • Sports & Recreation Volunteer Award – Michael Ward (Ballinasloe Golf Club)

  • Sports & Recreation Team Award – Padraig Pearses Senior Football Team

  • Sports & Recreation Individual Award – Meabh Deely (Rugby)

  • Young Volunteer Award – Joseph Burke

  • Social, Community & Civic Special Recognition Award – Helen Harney

  • Business & Community Spirit Award – Cahalans Jewellers

2017 Awards

Hall of Fame – Liam Kelly

Category Winners

  • Arts, Cultural and Heritage Award – Ballinasloe Musical Society

  • Business Community Spirit Award – Gullanes Hotel

  • Social, Community & Civic Recognition Award – Lawrencetown Community Development Group

  • Sports & Recreation Volunteer Award – John Donnelly (Cycling Club)

  • Sports & Recreation Individual Award – Heather Payne (Soccer)

  • Sports & Recreation Team Award – Ballinasloe IKKI (Itosu-Kai Karatedo Ireland)

  • Young Persons Award – Julianna Green & Laura Frehill

2015 Awards

Hall of Fame – Tom Quinn

Category Winners

  • Arts, Cultural and Heritage Award – Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds

  • Sports Team Award – U11 Boys Community Games Rugby Team, U12 Boys Community Games Relay Team

  • Sports Person Award – Karen Dolphin

  • Sports Volunteer Award – Willie Ward

  • Social, & Community Support Award – Arthur Carr

  • Young Persons Award – Veronica Burke

  • Civic Pride Winner Award – Pat McGovern

  • Community Group Special Recognition Award – East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support Group

Gallery

Click on the images below.