Deadline: 27-Feb-2026
The 2026 Cathaoirleach’s Awards by Westmeath County Council honour individuals and groups in County Westmeath who demonstrate outstanding community contributions. Categories include community involvement, environment and heritage, youth, equality, sports, and active elderly initiatives, with an overall Person/Group of the Year award. Nominations require a detailed submission and are reviewed by a Council-appointed committee.
Overview
The Cathaoirleach’s Awards recognise and celebrate individuals and groups who make significant contributions to their communities in County Westmeath. The awards aim to:
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Promote community engagement and volunteerism
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Highlight achievements in environmental stewardship, heritage preservation, youth support, equality, and sports
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Honour active elderly initiatives and community wellbeing
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Inspire others through local leadership and service
Winners receive a specially commissioned award piece at a planned awards event during the year.
Award Categories
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Community Involvement
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Environment and Heritage
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Children and Youth
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Equality and Social Inclusion
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Sports and Recreation
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Active Elderly Initiatives
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Overall Person/Group of the Year 2026
Who is Eligible?
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Individuals or groups located in County Westmeath
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Nominations cannot include relatives of the nominator or current Westmeath County Council staff
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Previous winners may not be renominated for five years
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Nominations must be submitted by a chairperson or secretary of a community group
How to Nominate
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Complete the official nomination form
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Provide a detailed profile of the nominee
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Include specific reasons for the nomination, highlighting contributions in one or more award categories
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Submit the nomination through the designated channels provided by Westmeath County Council
Evaluation Process
Nominations are reviewed by the Awards Evaluation Committee, consisting of:
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The Cathaoirleach
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The Chief Executive
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The Director of Service for Community Development
Decisions are based on the information provided in the nomination, focusing on impact, contribution to community, and overall merit.
Why This Award Matters
The Cathaoirleach’s Awards aim to:
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Publicly acknowledge and celebrate community contributions
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Encourage active participation and volunteerism
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Strengthen local networks and civic pride
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Inspire others to contribute to strong, vibrant communities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can nominate someone? Only chairpersons or secretaries of community groups in County Westmeath.
Can relatives of the nominator be nominated? No, relatives and current Council staff are ineligible.
How often can previous winners be nominated? Not within five years of their previous award.
What information is required for a nomination? A completed form, nominee profile, and detailed reasons for nomination.
How are winners selected? By the Awards Evaluation Committee based on merit and community impact.
Are groups eligible? Yes, both individuals and groups can be nominated.
When will winners be announced? During a planned awards event in 2026.
Conclusion
The Westmeath Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2026 provide a prestigious platform to recognize and celebrate exceptional contributions to County Westmeath communities. By honouring achievements in various categories and selecting an overall Person/Group of the Year, the awards promote community pride, volunteerism, and lasting local impact.
For more information, visit Westmeath County Council.