KERRY COMMUNITY AWARDS STILL STRONG AFTER 17 YEARS
THERE WAS a standing ovation for south Kerry-based Cúnamh Iveragh CLG on Thursday night as the group was announced as overall winner at the 2024 Kerry Community Awards.
The night, which took place in the beautiful surroundings of The Rose Hotel in Tralee, was the 17th edition of the annual awards night.
The aim of these awards is to recognise the work of the community and voluntary sector in improving the social, economic, cultural and environmental quality of life in local communities across Kerry.
Cúnamh Iveragh, based in Cahersiveen, supports children and young adults with intellectual disabilities, as well as their families, providing care in a comfortable setting. The group conducts regular meetings at which all parents and carers are encouraged to attend and get involved in decision making.
The group has progressed over the years. In 2013, it purchased an eight-bedroom house in Cahersiveen, with one section of this house subsequently converted into a Day Centre. In 2022, work on a four-bedroom respite house also began, and this was officially opened last year.
Speaking on Thursday night following the announcement, secretary of the group, Brendan Murphy, expressed the group’s sheer joy – and shock – at their landmark win.
“It’s a complete surprise to us, I was totally delighted for the group and for all the people who’ve been involved down through the years.”
A special award for Best Community Start-Up was also presented to Phoenix Women’s Shed.
Bill Morrell, Chairperson of the Planning Team for the Kerry Community Awards, said the night would not be possible without the generous sponsors who continue to support the initiative.
Group Editor of The Kerryman and Chair of the Judging Panel, Kevin Hughes, said it was another special night with an equally special winner.
“We are delighted to have Cúnamh Iveragh overall winners, they are very deserving winners for the vision shown and the brilliant work that they do, much of it behind the scenes,” he said.
“These awards were first held in 2004, and 20 years later, The Kerryman is very proud to have been involved from the beginning. While it all comes together on nights like these, the success of each awards night is down to a hard-working Kerry Community Awards Committee and our judges, who are experienced, balanced and fair.”
Twenty community groups in total received awards on the night, with 10 groups receiving gold awards and 10 receiving silver.