PICTURES: Groups receive Leitrim Love Where You Live awards

Leitrim’s annual Love Where You Live Awards, a joint initiative by Leitrim County Council and Leitrim PPN, took centre stage on Thursday, 2nd October at Lough Rynn Castle. 

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Now in its 8th year, the event continues to grow in popularity, celebrating the remarkable contributions of community groups and volunteers who make Leitrim a vibrant and welcoming place to live.

This year’s ceremony welcomed 220 attendees from across the county, with Master of Ceremonies Francie Boylan guiding the audience through the presentation of 30 awards. The evening was a heartfelt tribute to the creativity, dedication, and spirit of Leitrim’s communities.

An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Paddy Farrell, officially opened the ceremony, praising the nominees: “Your creativity, commitment, and community spirit are truly inspiring. Tonight, we gather not just to present awards, but to honour the people behind them – the volunteers who give their time, energy, and passion to make Leitrim a place we are proud to call home.”

Green Community & Estate of the Year

Judged by renowned garden designer and Bloom winner Leonie Cornelius, these categories highlighted the beauty and biodiversity of Leitrim’s shared spaces.

“Across Leitrim, I saw spaces that were not only beautiful, but deeply meaningful — full of joy, community spirit, and a genuine desire to make a difference for both people and nature,” said Leonie. “Your efforts are shaping a more inclusive and connected county. That’s something to be truly proud of.”

Community Achievement & Social Inclusion

These awards were judged by Dan Bergin of Laois PPN, who spent three days meeting groups across the county. Dan remarked “At every stop, I was met with warmth, pride, and a genuine passion for making a difference. The welcome I received in each community was nothing short of inspiring – a reflection of the generosity, spirit, and resilience that defines the people of Leitrim, these Awards are more than just accolades – they are a testament to the incredible work happening quietly and consistently in every corner of this beautiful county”

Age Friendly Awards

The newly introduced Age Friendly Award category received a large number of entries in its inaugural year, reflecting the deep commitment of local groups to enhancing the lives of older people in Leitrim. Judge Máiréad Cranley, Age Friendly Regional Manager, praised the exceptional standard of voluntary work showcased across all submissions.

“This new category highlights the true measure of a community—how it cares for its oldest members,” Cranley remarked. “Every group that entered demonstrated remarkable dedication, making the judging process incredibly difficult. The level of compassion, innovation, and impact was truly inspiring.

Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council, Mr. Joseph Gilhooly closed the evening with a powerful message: “This evening has been a celebration of community in its truest form. We’ve witnessed the very best of civic pride and local leadership—from Ballinamore to Carrick-on-Shannon, and Manorhamilton. Community pride in Leitrim is not just an aspiration—it’s a way of life.”

Each category winner received a €500 cash prize, Runners-up were awarded €250.

All entrants received event tickets and a certificate of participation.

Leitrim County Council and Leitrim PPN extend their heartfelt thanks to all participants and look forward to welcoming even more entries in 2026.

Summary of Winners and Runners Up

Green Estate

• Runner Up Ballinamore Municipal District: The Willows, Ballinamore
• Winner Ballinamore Municipal District: Sean Bhaile and Clos Eaglaise, Ballinamore
• Runner Up Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District: Townspark, Carrick on Shannon
• Winner Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District: Ard na Cuain, Dromod
• Runner up Manorhamilton Municipal District: Radharc an tSeipeal, Drumkeeran
• Winner Manorhamilton Municipal District: Glenview and Melvin Court, Kinlough

Social Inclusion Awards

• Runner Up Ballinamore Municipal District: An Tostal, Drumshanbo

• Winner Ballinamore Municipal District: Aughnasheelin Development Group

• Runner Up Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District: Leitrim Special Olympics Sports Club

• Winner Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District: Down Syndrome Leitrim

• Runner up Manorhamilton Municipal District: Killenummery Women’s Group

• Winner Manorhamilton Municipal District: North Leitrim Women’s Centre 

Community Achievement Awards 

• Runner Up Ballinamore Municipal District: Ballinamore Men’s Shed 

• Winner Ballinamore Municipal District: Ballinamore Community Hall/Island Theatre

• Runner Up Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District:  The Hive Bornacoola Youth Club

• Winner Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District:  Lough Rinn Dragons Boating Club

• Runner up Manorhamilton Municipal District: Tullaghan Development Association

• Winner Manorhamilton Municipal District: Dromahair Arts and Recreational Centre

Green Community

• Runner Up Ballinamore Municipal District: Ballinamore Bio Diversity Gardening Group

• Winner Ballinamore Municipal District:  Leitrim Environmental Network

• Runner Up Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District: Mohill Community Garden

• Winner Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District: Carrick on Shannon Tidy Towns

• Runner up Manorhamilton Municipal District: Our Native Glens

• Winner Manorhamilton Municipal District: Manorhamilton Tidy Towns

Age Friendly 

• Runner Up Ballinamore Municipal District: Carrigallen GAA Healthy Club

• Winner Ballinamore Municipal District:  Drumreilly Active Age

• Runner Up Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District: Golden Age Group Annaduff and Drumsna

• Winner Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District: Carrick Men’s Shed

• Runner up Manorhamilton Municipal District: Rossinver Community Development

• Winner Manorhamilton Municipal District: McDermott Terrace Residents Association

Schools Awards

Sponsored by Leitrim County Council, the Schools Awards were presented earlier in June at each winning school.

Winners: Naomh Mhuire, Leckaun; Newtowngore National School; Annaduff National School

Runners-up: Masterson National School; Scoil Chlann Naofa; Gaelscoil Liatroma

Winning schools received a €500 cash prize, a certificate, and a specially commissioned trophy. Runners-up were awarded €250 and a certificate.

Leitrim County Council and Leitrim Public Participation Network would like to thank all of the entries to the Love Where You Live Awards and look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.