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05 Nov 2025
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05 Nov 2025
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Tony Shanahan Kildare County Council , Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council and Cllr Carmel Kelly, Cathaoirleach, pictured at Áras Chill Dara, Naas, (Photo: Aishling Conway)
Kildare County Council and the Brigid – Spirit of Kildare Festival 2026 are delighted to announce the launch of the Spirit of Kildare Awards 2026, a new initiative celebrating the individuals and groups who embody Brigid’s values through their contributions to community life across Kildare.
Taking place as part of the Brigid – Spirit of Kildare Festival 2026, the awards will shine a spotlight on people and organisations whose actions, creativity, and commitment have made a meaningful difference to others. The ceremony will also include a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising an individual or group who has helped place Kildare on the national or international stage.
The Spirit of Kildare Awards 2026 will recognise contributions across a range of categories, including:
● Local Heritage and Biodiversity
● Contribution to local Community Life
● Youth Contribution
● Environmental Awards
● Contribution to the Arts
● Sports Achievement Award
● Woman in Leadership
Speaking about the launch, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, said: “We want to take this opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of members of our community. Every day across our county individuals and groups give their time, skills and passion to improve the lives of others. These awards are about shining a light on that commitment and celebrating the incredible community spirit that defines the Spirit of Kildare.”
The Spirit of Kildare Awards are an exciting new addition to the festival intended to bring to life the Spirit of Kildare.
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Carmel Kelly welcomed this new initiative stating: “Embracing the Spirit of Kildare, these awards are our way to celebrate values associated with Brigid that are as meaningful today as they were 1500 years ago, such as compassion, inspiration, equality and sustainability. I encourage everyone to get involved and help us honour those
who go above and beyond to make a difference, embodying the true Spirit of Kildare.”
READ NEXT; Kildare Academy of Dance wins top award.
Nominations open on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, and can be submitted online at Spirit of Kildare Awards. The deadline for nominations is 5pm, Thursday, 4 December 2025.
An independent adjudication panel will review all entries, with a shortlist to be announced in the lead period before the Festival. Winners will be revealed at a special Awards Ceremony in “Cruinniú Chill Dara”, Naas as part of the Brigid, Spirit of Kildare Festival.
Further details on the Brigid – Spirit of Kildare Festival 2026 and the Spirit of Kildare Awards will be available at www.spiritofbrigid.ie and on social media @spiritofbrigid.
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