Cavan's circular living champions

Two County Cavan champions of circular living were honoured at a recent awards bash in Dublin.

Emmet Johnston from Coronea and Cavan Town’s Poonam Padmani were both shortlisted for the inaugural Full Circle Awards held in the Aviva Stadium.

The awards, created by Circular.ie aim to highlight people and projects that demonstrate what circular living looks like, and celebrate the big impact of individuals and communities in making circular living part of their everyday lives in practical ways.

Emmet Johnston was a runner-up in the Young Circular Star category, celebrating young people who are leading the way in sustainability and circular thinking in school, at home or in their community.

Young compost and recycling advocate Emmet and his family moved to Coronea two years ago, where he began growing vegetables and keeping hens at home. Passionate about sustainability, Emmet shares his experiences on Instagram and TikTok, creating fun, engaging videos about composting, recycling, and caring for his chickens. He actively participates in his local gardening club, offering advice and asking questions to deepen his knowledge.

The judges shortlisted Emmet for his entrepreneurial spirit, energy, and love for sharing his learning. They paid tribute to Emmet for inspiring others, especially young people, to explore sustainable living and engage with the natural world in creative ways.

Poonam Padmani, a seamstress based in Cavan town, was a runner-up in the Reuse and Repair Hero category, honouring individuals who regularly repair, repurpose, or extend the life of items.

A self-taught seamstress with more than 20 years of experience, Poonam has been repairing, altering, and redesigning clothes since her teenage years. From her early days learning embroidery with her grandmother, to running a sewing business in Dubai, she has continued her mission in Ireland.

Now based in Cavan, she runs workshops, including volunteer classes in Killeshandra, teaching adults and parents how to alter clothes, sew bags, and upcycle fabrics - even without machines. She also contributed to the Ireland Quilt Project.

The judges paid tribute to Poonam’s passion in giving fabrics a new life, whether through handmade bags, patchwork, or teaching others the joy of repair.

Speaking about the Full Circle Awards, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD said: “These awards highlight how people across Ireland are making a real difference in their community by embracing and promoting circular living in their daily lives. They also act as inspiration to others, creating momentum throughout the country.”