Celebrating the volunteers, community groups and organisations making a difference across Waterford Waterford PPN has officially launched the 2026 Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards, with the launch taking place recently at the Park Hotel, Dungarvan.
The annual awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by volunteers, community groups and organisations across Waterford City and County. The launch brought together representatives from Waterford’s community and voluntary sector, elected representatives, sponsors and guests to celebrate the positive impact of community action across the county.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Liam Brazil, said:
“The awards are not just about celebrating achievement. They are about recognising the heart and soul of our communities and the people who give their time, often quietly and without looking for any recognition or reward.
From TidyTowns groups to youth organisations, environmental projects, new communities, older persons’ groups and social inclusion initiatives, there are people all across Waterford who are making a real difference every single day.
And that is something we should be very proud of.”
Nominations Now Open
Nominations are now open across the 2026 Community & Voluntary Awards categories, so get nominating deserving volunteers, groups and organisations whose work is making a positive contribution to their communities.
Group Awards categories:
- Age Friendly
- Children & Youth
- Community Safety
- Environment, Heritage & Biodiversity
- Health & Wellbeing
- Inclusive Communities
- Spick & Span
Individual Awards categories:
- Rising Star Volunteer of the Year
- Waterford volunteer of the Year
- Volunteer Legacy Award
Full award criteria and nomination details are available at www.waterfordppn.ie.
Waterford PPN gratefully acknowledges the support of the 2026 Awards sponsors:
- Cairde Credit Union
- Campion Insurance
- Expressway
- Local Link Waterford
- South East Energy Agency
- Waterford City and County Council
- Waterford Community Safety Partnership
- Waterford Volunteer Centre
Remembering Marion O’Mara – The launch also provided an opportunity to remember and honour the contribution of Marion O’Mara, a much-valued member, colleague and friend of the Waterford PPN.
Speaking on behalf of the PPN, Secretariat member Michael J. Walsh said:
“The PPN has lost one of its most valued members, colleagues and friends, Marion O’Mara.
For the past eight years, Marion generously gave her time, experience, energy and, most importantly, her friendship to the PPN Secretariat, Board and staff.
On behalf of everyone in Waterford PPN, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Marion’s family, friends and all those who knew and worked alongside her. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by everyone in the PPN.”
The 2026 Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 5th November 2026, at the Park Hotel, Dungarvan. The event will bring together nominees, sponsors, elected representatives and members of Waterford’s community and voluntary sector for an evening celebrating the people and organisations that help make Waterford a stronger and more connected place.
The closing date for nominations is Wednesday, 9th September 2026. If you have any queries, please contact Walter on 058 21308 / 087 980 9985 or email wcullinan@waterfordcouncil.ie.
Full Criteria
- Click here to view criteria and nominate a group: Group Criteria and Nomination Form
- Click here to view criteria and nominate an individual: Individual Criteria and Nomination Form