The winners of the 2025 County Monaghan Volunteer Awards were announced on Sunday, 12th October, at a packed celebration in the Íontas Theatre, Castleblayney.
Organised by Monaghan Volunteer Centre, part of Monaghan Integrated Development (MID), the event brought together nominees, their families, friends, and organisations from across the county to recognise the enormous contribution of local volunteers.
Speaking at the event, Killian Cawley, the new CEO of MID, highlighted the huge range of voluntary activity in Monaghan, covering health, sport, environment, social care, emergency support, community development and more. Jake Ryan, Principal Officer at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht also addressed the audience, acknowledging the vital role of volunteers in supporting communities across Ireland. Jake outlined a recent study that demonstrated the impact on society if all volunteers suddenly stopped volunteering. The impact would be catastrophic.
The event included a fantastic performance from the local choir Serenata, adding a celebratory atmosphere to the afternoon.
Volunteer Centre Coordinator, Sinéad Keenan, together with Eoin Treanor, Development Worker at Monaghan Volunteer Centre, presented the shortlisted nominees before announcing the winners across four categories.
Volunteer of the Year: Linda Moore, Cu Chulainn Blood Bikes
Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award: Gerry Atkinson, Annyalla Cremartin Community First Responders and Civil Defence
Volunteer Team of the Year: Clones Funeral Stewards
Volunteer Group of the Year: Knockatallon Development Company CLG
Read more about the event and see lots more photographs on the Monaghan Volunteer Centre website.