The awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate projects and initiatives that contribute to an ambitious, vibrant, sustainable and connected County Leitrim. Following judging during June and July, all nominees were invited to attend the Love Where You Live Awards Gala Event, held on 1 October 2026 at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway.

Celebrating Community Achievement Across Leitrim

More than 215 people attended the 2026 Love Where You Live Awards, which showcased the very best of community spirit, volunteerism and civic pride across the county.

Awards were presented across six categories:

• Social Inclusion Award
• Community Achievement Award
• Green Community Award
• Green Estate Award
• Age Friendly Award
• Gen Z Impact Award

Together, these awards highlight the remarkable range of community activity taking place across Leitrim, from promoting wellbeing and social inclusion to enhancing biodiversity, supporting active citizenship and empowering young people.

Award Winners

Social Inclusion Award

• Carrick-on-Shannon MD: Cairde Liatroma Social Group
• Manorhamilton MD: Killenummery Women's Group
• Ballinamore MD: Margaret of New Orleans Group
• Highly Commended: Ballinamore Women's Shed

Community Achievement Award

• Carrick-on-Shannon MD: Leitrim Village Development Association
• Manorhamilton MD: Glenade Development Association
• Ballinamore MD: Drumreilly Community Camino
• Highly Commended: North West STOP

Gen Z Impact Award

• Winner: Aoibhe Higgins
• Highly Commended Finalists: Emma Lee and Cavan McGourty

Green Community Award

• Carrick-on-Shannon MD: Mohill Community Garden
• Manorhamilton MD: Drumkeeran Tidy Towns
• Ballinamore MD: Fenagh Tidy Towns
• Highly Commended: Carrigallen Tidy Towns

Green Estate Award

• Carrick-on-Shannon MD: Townspark Residents Association
• Manorhamilton MD: Glenview and Melvin Court
• Ballinamore MD: Sean Bhaile and Clós Eaglaise
• Highly Commended: Barleyfield Residents Association

Age Friendly Award

• Carrick-on-Shannon MD: The Golden Age Group Annaduff Drumsna
• Manorhamilton MD: Killargue Neighbours and Friends
• Ballinamore MD: Ballinamore Men's Shed
• Highly Commended: Tullaghan Development Association

A Celebration of Community Spirit

Opening the ceremony, Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Mary Bohan, welcomed guests and acknowledged the invaluable contribution of community and voluntary groups in creating resilient, inclusive and thriving communities throughout the county. She commended the commitment of volunteers whose efforts continue to enhance local areas and strengthen community life across Leitrim.

Closing the event, Mary Quinn, Deputy Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council, congratulated all nominees and winners and praised the volunteers, community organisations and local leaders whose dedication makes Leitrim a better place to live, work and visit. She highlighted the ambition, innovation and community spirit demonstrated by this year's entries and thanked everyone involved in delivering another successful awards programme.

The Love Where You Live Awards continue to shine a light on the volunteers and community organisations whose efforts strengthen local communities, reduce social isolation, promote environmental sustainability and enrich quality of life across County Leitrim. The strong attendance at this year's event reflected the pride people take in their communities and the importance of recognising those who make a lasting positive impact.

Entries for the Love Where You Live Awards 2027 will open in the new year. Community groups, voluntary organisations, residents' associations and individuals from across County Leitrim are encouraged to get involved and share the work they are doing to make their communities stronger, greener, more inclusive and more vibrant. We look forward to celebrating another year of outstanding community achievement across the county.