Community Champions crowned at prestigious gala awards evening!
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Paul Douglas, The Executive Office, Rebecca McKinney, Compere for the evening, Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary O'Dowd, Charlene Stopps, interim Chief Executive and Headline Sponsor, Joy Overend, Pilgrim's Europe
The red carpet was rolled out at the weekend as the Community Awards 2026 honoured some of the borough’s most dedicated individuals and groups at a glittering gala celebration.
A total of 33 groups and individuals from throughout the borough were shortlisted across 11 award categories, with each recognised for their outstanding commitment to helping others and making a positive difference in their communities.
The awards showcased the very best of community spirit, highlighting those who work tirelessly to support people from all backgrounds and create lasting impact.
The awards were enjoyed by all who attended, with the Seagoe Hotel providing the backdrop for a memorable evening featuring a delicious banquet, entertainment from local band The Dukes and hosting duties from Cool FM Breakfast Show presenter Rebecca McKinney.
The Community Awards were supported by The Executive Office District Councils Good Relations Programme, alongside local businesses who sponsored the various award categories.
And the winners were:
YOUTH CHAMPION AWARD: Sponsored by Pilgrim’s Europe
Joint Winners: Include Youth and Goal Line Youth Trust
COMMUNITY ECO AWARD: Sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
Winner: Apple Blossom Baby Basics
INNOVATION AWARD: Sponsored by Linwoods
Winner: Richmount Rural Community Association
EQUALITY AND GOOD RELATIONS AWARD: Sponsored by Manfreight Ltd
Winner: Escolinha de Lingua Portuguesa
AGE FREINDLY AWARD: Sponsored by Seagoe Hotel
Winner: The Tuesday Morning Club
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Sponsored by Avondale Foods Ltd
Joint Winners: Joanne Armstrong and James Clifford
COMMUNITY SAFETY AWARD: Sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
Winner: Portadown Community Based Detached Team
HEALTH AND WELL BEING AWARD: Sponsored by Tarasis Enterprise
Joint Winners: Just A Chat and Glenanne Community Association
UNDER 18 YOUTH VOLUNTEER: Sponsored by Armagh Credit Union
Winner: Ruby Harvey
INCLUDE: EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, EVERYDAY AWARD: Sponsored by The Executive Office
Winner: Portadown Cares
LIFETIME ACHIEVER AWARD: Sponsored by Belfast Telegraph
Joint Winners: Dermot Mooney and George James
Pictured at the Community Awards 2026 are Paul Tamati, Director of Development, Community and Wellbeing, Ruth Allen, Head of Community Development, Paul Douglas, The Executive Office, Rebecca McKinney, Compere, Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, Headline Sponsor Joy Overend, Pilgrim’s Europe, Charlene Stoops, Interim Chief Executive and Deputy Lord Mayor, Alderman Lavelle McIlwrath
Winners of the Youth Champion Award, sponsored by Pilgrim’s Europe, are Goal Line Youth Trust.
Winners of the Youth Champion Award, sponsored by Pilgrim’s Europe, are Include Youth.
Winner of the Community Eco Award, sponsored by ABC Council, is Apple Blossom Baby Basics.
Winner of the Innovation Award, sponsored by Linwoods, is Richmount Rural Community Association.
Winner of the Equality and Good Relations Award, sponsored by Manfrieght Ltd, is Escolinha de Lingua Portuguesa.
Winner of the Age Friendly Award, sponsored by the Seagoe Hotel, is The Tuesday Morning Club.
Winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Avondale Foods Ltd, is James Clifford.
Winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Avondale Foods Ltd, is Joanne Armstrong.
Winner of the Community Safety Award, sponsored by ABC Council, is Portadown Community Based Detached Team.
Winner of the Health and Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Tarasis Enterprise, is Just A Chat.
Winner of the Health and Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Tarasis Enterprise, is Glenanne Community Association.
Winner of the Under-18 Youth Volunteer Award, sponsored by Armagh Credit Union, is Ruby Harvey.
Winner of the INCLUDE: Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday Award, sponsored by The Executive Office, is Portadown Cares.
Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the Belfast Telegraph, is Dermot Mooney.
Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the Belfast Telegraph, is George James.
Joint Winners of the Health and Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Tarasis Enterprise, is Glenanne Community Association and Just A Chat.
Runners Up of the Youth Champion Award, sponsored by Pilgrim’s Europe, are Armagh Drum Majors.
Runners Up of the Community Eco Award, sponsored by ABC Council, is Glenanne Community Association
Runners Up of the Community Eco Award, sponsored by ABC Council, is Higher Ground Gardening Group
Runners Up of the Innovation Award, sponsored by Linwoods, is LIGHTS.
Runners Up of the Innovation Award, sponsored by Linwoods, is Portadown Cares.
Runners Up of the Equality and Good Relations Award, sponsored by Manfrieght Ltd, is ABC Community Network.
Runners Up of the Equality and Good Relations Award, sponsored by Manfrieght Ltd, is Edgarstown Residents Association.
Runners Up of the Age Friendly Award, sponsored by the Seagoe Hotel, is Evergreens Portadown Elim.
Runners Up of the Age Friendly Award, sponsored by the Seagoe Hotel, is Laurencetown, Lenaderg and Tullylish Community Association.
Runners Up of the Age Friendly Award, sponsored by the Seagoe Hotel, is Richmount Elders.
Runners Up of the Community Safety Award, sponsored by ABC Council, is AB&C Road Safety Committee
Runners Up of the Health and Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Tarasis Enterprise, is Portadown Cares.
Runners Up of the Health and Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Tarasis Enterprise, is NI Chest, Heart & Stroke.
Runner Up of the Under-18 Youth Volunteer Award, sponsored by Armagh Credit Union, is Mia Powell.
Runner Up of the Under-18 Youth Volunteer Award, sponsored by Armagh Credit Union, is Rhianna Hayes.
Runners Up of the INCLUDE: Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday Award, sponsored by The Executive Office, is Escolinha de Lingua Portuguese.
Runners Up of the INCLUDE: Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday Award, sponsored by The Executive Office, is DFK Performing Arts.
Runner Up of the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the Belfast Telegraph, is Alison Smith.
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