The recipients of the 2025 Galway People of the Year Awards, organised in partnership with Basil Holian of Watchman Holdings, were unveiled at a press reception in the Galway Bay Hotel over the weekend.
All 13 awardees, celebrated for their outstanding contributions to community life both locally and abroad, will be formally honoured at a Gala Banquet and Presentation Night in the Galway Bay Hotel on Friday, November 28.
The winners were introduced to an audience of family, friends, and supporters by Mary Bennett, chair of the judging panel, alongside sponsor Basil Holian and awards organiser Ollie Robinson.
Recipients
This year’s recipients are:
Hubert Geoghegan (Ardrahan ): Recognised for over 50 years of community activity and fundraising on behalf of numerous organisations and charities.
Lorcan Mannion (Bushypark ): Honoured for decades of voluntary service to the Bushypark and Rahoon communities.
John Pardy (Lawrencetown ): Co-founder and first secretary of the Bone Marrow for Leukaemia Trust Fund.
Jimmy Glynn (Dunmore and New York ): Acknowledged for his contributions to sporting, business, and cultural life in both New York and his native Dunmore.
John Sullivan (Gort ): For years of voluntary and financial support for local groups and clubs, including Gort Cancer Support.
Cairdeas Disco Team (Lackagh ): A voluntary group marking 20 years of support for people with special needs.
Row to Recovery (Galway ): A volunteer-led charity that rows on the Corrib, supporting the mental and physical health of cancer survivors.
Ann Mitchell (Menlough ): Recognised for a lifetime of community involvement and helping others.
Louie Casserly (Oranmore ): For 40 years of dedicated service to Civil Defence Galway and support for Galway Hospice, St Anthony’s, and Claddagh Credit Union.
Mary and Malachy Booth: For hosting tea parties in their home for more than a decade to raise funds for good causes locally and abroad.
Carrie Dolan, Ailish O’Reilly, and Aoife Donohue: Celebrated for their contribution to Galway Camogie and their influence as role models for young people.
John Short (Roscam ): Winner of two gold and one bronze medal at the World Junior Championships, achieved the same week he received his Leaving Cert results.
Donal Lynch (Ballybane ): For his deep involvement in the community, from establishing a community hub and Youth Shed to volunteering with Galway Simon Community and organising local clean-ups.
Speaking at the launch, organiser Ollie Robinson congratulated the winners and thanked the many members of the public who submitted nominations. He extended special gratitude to the local media, including the Advertiser, Connacht Tribune Group, Tuam Herald, Galway Bay FM, and community radio, for their role in promoting the awards over the past 20 years.
Robinson also paid tribute to sponsor Basil Holian, adjudicators Mary Bennett and Jack McCann, and committee members Tex Callaghan, Phil Concannon, Bridgie Hanley, and Aoife Williams.
Holian, reflecting on the awards’ milestone year, said it was a privilege to support an initiative that shines a spotlight on the “wonderful voluntary work being done by so many people and groups throughout the county.”
The Gala Banquet will take place on Friday, November 28, at the Galway Bay Hotel.
Further information and tickets are available by contacting Ollie Robinson at 087 2437009 or [email protected], or via the Galway People of the Year Awards Facebook page.
