BREAKING: RTE confirm dramatic Ray D'Arcy exit as he's missing from radio show
Search
10 Oct 2025
Search
10 Oct 2025
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.
Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.
If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .
Support our mission and join our community now.
To continue reading this article, you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles!
Alternatively, you can pay €0.50 per article, capped at €1 per day.
Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism!
Leitrim’s annual Love Where You Live Awards, a joint initiative by Leitrim County Council and Leitrim PPN, took centre stage on Thursday, 2nd October at Lough Rynn Castle.
USE THE ARROWS OR CLICK NEXT TO SEE MORE PHOTOS
Now in its 8th year, the event continues to grow in popularity, celebrating the remarkable contributions of community groups and volunteers who make Leitrim a vibrant and welcoming place to live.
This year’s ceremony welcomed 220 attendees from across the county, with Master of Ceremonies Francie Boylan guiding the audience through the presentation of 30 awards. The evening was a heartfelt tribute to the creativity, dedication, and spirit of Leitrim’s communities.
An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Paddy Farrell, officially opened the ceremony, praising the nominees: “Your creativity, commitment, and community spirit are truly inspiring. Tonight, we gather not just to present awards, but to honour the people behind them – the volunteers who give their time, energy, and passion to make Leitrim a place we are proud to call home.”
Green Community & Estate of the Year
Judged by renowned garden designer and Bloom winner Leonie Cornelius, these categories highlighted the beauty and biodiversity of Leitrim’s shared spaces.
“Across Leitrim, I saw spaces that were not only beautiful, but deeply meaningful — full of joy, community spirit, and a genuine desire to make a difference for both people and nature,” said Leonie. “Your efforts are shaping a more inclusive and connected county. That’s something to be truly proud of.”
Community Achievement & Social Inclusion
These awards were judged by Dan Bergin of Laois PPN, who spent three days meeting groups across the county. Dan remarked “At every stop, I was met with warmth, pride, and a genuine passion for making a difference. The welcome I received in each community was nothing short of inspiring – a reflection of the generosity, spirit, and resilience that defines the people of Leitrim, these Awards are more than just accolades – they are a testament to the incredible work happening quietly and consistently in every corner of this beautiful county”
Age Friendly Awards
The newly introduced Age Friendly Award category received a large number of entries in its inaugural year, reflecting the deep commitment of local groups to enhancing the lives of older people in Leitrim. Judge Máiréad Cranley, Age Friendly Regional Manager, praised the exceptional standard of voluntary work showcased across all submissions.
“This new category highlights the true measure of a community—how it cares for its oldest members,” Cranley remarked. “Every group that entered demonstrated remarkable dedication, making the judging process incredibly difficult. The level of compassion, innovation, and impact was truly inspiring.
Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council, Mr. Joseph Gilhooly closed the evening with a powerful message: “This evening has been a celebration of community in its truest form. We’ve witnessed the very best of civic pride and local leadership—from Ballinamore to Carrick-on-Shannon, and Manorhamilton. Community pride in Leitrim is not just an aspiration—it’s a way of life.”
Each category winner received a €500 cash prize, Runners-up were awarded €250.
All entrants received event tickets and a certificate of participation.
Leitrim County Council and Leitrim PPN extend their heartfelt thanks to all participants and look forward to welcoming even more entries in 2026.
Summary of Winners and Runners Up
Green Estate
Social Inclusion Awards
Community Achievement Awards
Green Community
Age Friendly
Schools Awards
Sponsored by Leitrim County Council, the Schools Awards were presented earlier in June at each winning school.
Winners: Naomh Mhuire, Leckaun; Newtowngore National School; Annaduff National School
Runners-up: Masterson National School; Scoil Chlann Naofa; Gaelscoil Liatroma
Winning schools received a €500 cash prize, a certificate, and a specially commissioned trophy. Runners-up were awarded €250 and a certificate.
Leitrim County Council and Leitrim Public Participation Network would like to thank all of the entries to the Love Where You Live Awards and look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.
Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie
Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.
Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.
This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice of the Press Council. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1800 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie.
