Volunteers and community groups from across County Galway were celebrated at the annual Cathaoirleach’s Awards, held last Friday evening in Athenry. Among the night’s honourees was Moyne Villa FC from Headford, which received the Group Special Recognition Award.
The club was recognised for its wide-reaching impact through sport and community engagement. Moyne Villa offers structured soccer programmes for ages 3 to 65, as well as a “Football for All” programme in partnership with Ability West. Beyond sport, the club promotes health and wellbeing through its top-class facilities and plays a central role in organising the local community festival, Headfest.
The club’s role as a cornerstone of the Headford community was most visible in the aftermath of Storm E?owyn, when it became a vital hub for more than 3,500 people. The response was widely praised, earning recognition in both local and national media.
Speaking at the event, Cllr. Andrew Reddington said Moyne Villa deserved this award, especially after what they did for their community during the recent storm.
“The people in our community won’t forget what Moyne Villa did during our time of need,” he said.
Also shortlisted on the night was “Something in the Water”, in the Cultural Contribution category. Cllr. Andrew Reddington said: First held in 2023, the festival aims to revitalise Headford’s town centre through arts and culture. Expanded in 2024, it continues to bring the community together through creative programming.”
