Community groups and individuals from across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon borough have been recognised at the Community Awards 2026, following a gala evening celebrating people who support others and strengthen local communities.

ABC Council reported the awards on October 19, 2026, after a total of 33 groups and individuals were shortlisted across 11 categories. Each finalist was recognised for an outstanding commitment to helping others and making a positive difference in their community.

The council said the awards highlighted the strongest examples of community spirit across the borough, including people and organisations working with individuals from all backgrounds and creating a lasting impact through voluntary, social, environmental and community-safety activity.

Community Awards 2026 winners

Include Youth and Goal Line Youth Trust were joint winners of the Youth Champion Award, sponsored by Pilgrim’s Europe. Armagh Drum Majors were listed as runners-up in that category.

  • Community Eco Award: Apple Blossom Baby Basics, sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. Glenanne Community Association and Higher Ground Gardening Group were runners-up.
  • Innovation Award: Richmount Rural Community Association, sponsored by Linwoods. LIGHTS and Portadown Cares were runners-up.
  • Equality and Good Relations Award: Escolinha de Lingua Portuguesa, sponsored by Manfreight Ltd. ABC Community Network and Edgarstown Residents Association were runners-up.
  • Age Friendly Award: The Tuesday Morning Club, sponsored by the Seagoe Hotel. Evergreens Portadown Elim, Laurencetown, Lenaderg and Tullylish Community Association, and Richmount Elders were runners-up.
  • Volunteer of the Year: Joanne Armstrong and James Clifford, joint winners, with the award sponsored by Avondale Foods Ltd.
  • Community Safety Award: Portadown Community Based Detached Team, sponsored by ABC Council. The AB&C Road Safety Committee was runner-up.
  • Health and Wellbeing Award: Just A Chat and Glenanne Community Association, joint winners, sponsored by Tarasis Enterprise. Portadown Cares and NI Chest, Heart & Stroke were runners-up.
  • Under-18 Youth Volunteer Award: Ruby Harvey, sponsored by Armagh Credit Union. Mia Powell and Rhianna Hayes were listed as runners-up.
  • Include: Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday Award: Portadown Cares, sponsored by The Executive Office. Escolinha de Lingua Portuguesa and DFK Performing Arts were runners-up.
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Dermot Mooney and George James, joint winners, sponsored by the Belfast Telegraph. Alison Smith was runner-up.

Gala evening at the Seagoe Hotel

The ceremony took place at the Seagoe Hotel, which provided the setting for an evening that included a banquet and entertainment from local band The Dukes. Rebecca McKinney, presenter of the Cool FM Breakfast Show, hosted the event.

The awards were supported by The Executive Office District Councils Good Relations Programme, as well as local businesses that sponsored the individual categories. The sponsors named by the council included Pilgrim’s Europe, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Linwoods, Manfreight Ltd, the Seagoe Hotel, Avondale Foods Ltd, Tarasis Enterprise, Armagh Credit Union, The Executive Office and the Belfast Telegraph.

The range of winners and runners-up covered youth work, environmental projects, innovation, equality and good relations, support for older people, volunteering, safety, health and wellbeing, inclusion and long-term service. The awards therefore recognised both established organisations and individuals making a contribution through community-based work.

Council and community representatives pictured

Those pictured at the event included Lord Mayor Councillor Mary O’Dowd, Deputy Lord Mayor Alderman Lavelle McIlwrath, interim Chief Executive Charlene Stoops and Paul Douglas from The Executive Office.

Also pictured were compere Rebecca McKinney, headline sponsor Joy Overend of Pilgrim’s Europe, and council community development representatives Paul Tamati, Director of Development, Community and Wellbeing, and Ruth Allen, Head of Community Development.

The council’s announcement described the evening as a celebration of the people who work tirelessly to support others and create positive, lasting change. The event brought together council representatives, sponsors, nominees and community organisations from throughout the borough.