Meath County Council celebrates outstanding community achievements at 2026 Municipal District Awards
Meath County Council hosted the 2026 Municipal District (MD) Awards at Buvinda House, Navan, yesterday.
In total, 24 awards across the six MDs were presented, honouring individuals and groups whose dedication, talent, and community spirit have made a lasting impact across the county.
Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Wayne Harding, said: “Tonight’s awards are a celebration of the people and projects that truly make Meath a better place for everyone.
"Each recipient has shown remarkable commitment—whether through volunteering, sporting excellence, or championing inclusion—and their efforts inspire us all.
"On behalf of the Council, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and thanks to every award winner for their invaluable contribution to our communities.”
Deputy Chief Executive of Meath County Council Des Foley, who was Master of Ceremonies on the night, added: “The stories we’ve heard tonight highlight the incredible diversity and strength of community life in Meath.
"These awards are about recognising achievements, but also about celebrating the spirit of collaboration, kindness, and innovation that defines our county. Congratulations to all our recipients—you are the heart of Meath.”
The full list of winners is below:
Ashbourne Municipal District
Ciarán Donnelly: Recognised for his longstanding commitment to community life in Ashbourne, supporting numerous local organisations and initiatives through both voluntary and professional roles.
Paula Cullen: Honoured for her leadership in founding the Ashbourne Women’s Shed and her extensive voluntary work supporting vulnerable individuals and families in the community.
Donna Stafford: Awarded for her impressive achievements in international TaekwonDo, including a silver medal at the ITF World Championships, and for her resilience in overcoming injury.
James Hillen and Angie Dinu: Celebrated as the heart of community life in Ashbourne, for their tireless involvement with Tidy Towns, the Lions Club, and countless local initiatives that enhance and support their town.
Kells Municipal District
Headfort School: Recognised for their creative achievement in winning Best Newcomer at the 2026 FÍS Film Awards with their film “The Curse of the Book of Kells.”
Book of Memories Café: Honoured for providing a compassionate and supportive space for people affected by dementia, promoting connection and understanding in the community.
Mark Cadden: Awarded for his breakthrough victory at the 2026 Connolly Motor Group West of Ireland Men’s Amateur Open Championship, marking him as one of Ireland’s top young golfers.
Gary McConnell: Celebrated for winning the All-Ireland Senior Softball Singles title, bringing pride to Kells and Meath through his dedication and sporting excellence.
Laytown/Bettystown Municipal District
Football for All (Janet Johnston, Emmett McDonald, Phil Pearse): Recognised for providing a decade of inclusive sporting opportunities for children with additional needs, promoting confidence, friendship, and achievement.
Sarah Kerley Dunne (Food Share Project): Honoured for her leadership in redistributing surplus food to those in need, reducing food waste, and making a real difference in East Meath.
Duleek AFC: Awarded for their historic achievement in winning their first ever NEFL Premier Division title, reflecting the club’s commitment and community spirit.
Warren McMahon: Celebrated as a dedicated young volunteer with Bettystown Tidy Towns, inspiring others through his enthusiasm, work ethic, and community pride.
Navan Municipal District
Neurodiversity Navan: Recognised for their outstanding advocacy and inclusive initiatives, including Neurofest and community events that have encouraged greater awareness and support for neurodiversity in Navan.
Lauren Duffy: Honoured for her exceptional sporting achievements, including winning gold at the CSIT World Sports Games and being crowned National Indoor U23 High Jump Champion, serving as an inspiration to her club and community.
Laura Mullen: Awarded for representing Ireland with distinction at the WKSF World Kettlebell Championships, securing two bronze medals and contributing to the growth of kettlebell sport in Ireland.
Towards Inclusion Project: Celebrated for their collaborative work between St Ultan’s Special School and St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary School, providing meaningful opportunities for inclusion and skill development for students of all abilities.
Ratoath Municipal District
A Team Arch Club Dunboyne: Recognised for providing vital support and inclusion for children with autism, creating a safe and empowering environment through parent-led initiatives and community events.
Nic and Harris Connor: Honoured for their inspiring 4,500km fundraising cycle from Istanbul to Galway, raising over €8,000 for Médecins Sans Frontières and exemplifying generosity in action.
Matthew Walls: Awarded for his outstanding achievements in international cycling, including victories at the Junior Tour of Ireland and the Junior Tour of Portugal, bringing pride to Meath.
Pat Maguire: Celebrated for his act of kindness in handcrafting over 265 miniature snowmen for Kilmessan National School, spreading joy and creating cherished memories for the school community.
Trim Municipal District
Trim Floral Art Club: Recognised for two decades of creativity and community engagement, supporting local charities and bringing people together through a shared love of floral design.
Kipras Samoska, Jack Turner, and David Kincius (Boyne Community School): Honoured for winning the inaugural Democracy and Elections Award at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition with their innovative project “Emoji Politics.”
Seán Rafferty: Awarded for his outstanding performances in Meath GAA, becoming the first Meath men’s player since 2007 to receive a coveted All-Star Award.
Ablefest (Kevin Farrell and Shay Casserly): Celebrated for organising Ireland’s largest music and arts festival for people with additional needs, promoting inclusion and accessibility through Ablefest and related events.