Waterford Community & Voluntary PPN Awards 2024
The 20th Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Gala Awards were held on November 21st at The Park Hotel in Dungarvan. This event, organised by Waterford PPN in collaboration with Waterford City & County Council, Waterford Volunteer Centre, Expressway, Waterford Community Safety Partnership, South-East Energy Agency, BHP Insurance, Cairde Credit Union, Waterford Credit Union, and Local Link Waterford.
Among the 200 guests were Cllr. Pat Nugent, Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan/Lismore District, Minister Mary Butler, Senator John Cummins, council officials, sponsors, judges, Waterford PPN Secretariat members, and representatives from the nominees and shortlisted. Waterford PPN is a network of over 700 community, voluntary, social inclusion, and environmental groups across Waterford City and County. The awards highlight the incredible dedication by these groups and volunteers, and it is the only platform that celebrates the amazing work within the community.
Awards were presented across seven group categories, with additional awards going to three individual volunteers and an overall award. The group recipients were Cappoquin Rowing Club, Inner City Residents Association, Top of the City Gardens, Francis Court Age Action, Access I.T., Surprise Surprise Dungarvan & West Waterford, and Tournore Court Residents Association.
The individual awards went to Richie Purcell (Age Friendly Volunteer of the Year), Billy Harty (Board/Committee Member of the Year), and Eilish Norris (Junior Volunteer of the Year).
Tournore Court Residents Association were selected from all the category winners to represent Waterford at the Pride of Place National Awards next year.
Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan / Lismore District, Cllr. Pat Nugent, congratulated the finalists saying:
“The breath of community work in Waterford is astounding and each and every one of these groups and individuals contribute so much to our communities. “From residents associations to youth coaching, and age action initiatives to committee volunteers, these community and voluntary networks have a profound, positive effect on the communities they operate within.”
It was a fantastic evening of celebration for the selfless contributions of Waterford’s community and voluntary sector.
See www.waterfordppn for all videos and photos of attendees on the night.
