Nominations open for Cavan Community & Sports Awards
The Anglo Celt in partnership with Mannok recognise individuals, clubs and groups whose dedication makes a lasting difference in local life.
Nominations are now officially open for The Anglo-Celt's Cavan Community & Sports Awards 2026, held in partnership with Mannok, following the launch of the awards at the Cavan Crystal Hotel last Thursday morning. Nominations are accepted online and physical document (see this week's printed edition).
The annual awards celebrate community spirit and sporting excellence across County Cavan, recognising the individuals, clubs and groups whose dedication makes a lasting difference in local life.
Launching the awards, Editor Linda O’Reilly said: “The Anglo-Celt Community and Sports Awards represent something genuinely valuable in local life: recognition. Not just for headline-makers or elite athletes, but for the people who quietly hold communities together.”
She said many of the most valuable contributions in society often go unnoticed, with volunteers, coaches, organisers and ordinary citizens giving their time and energy without seeking reward.
“These awards shine a light on those people whose impact isn’t measured in trophies, but in stronger, more connected communities,” she said.
At the same time, Linda O’Reilly said the awards also celebrate sporting excellence and the commitment shown by athletes throughout the county.
“They recognise the dedication, discipline, and pride that athletes bring to their clubs and counties,” she added.
She highlighted the important role local media plays in promoting positive stories and strengthening community identity: “A newspaper like The Anglo-Celt doesn’t just report on a community; It actively participates in it. By highlighting these stories, it helps shape a shared sense of identity and pride. It tells people: what you do matters.”
She praised the support of local businesses backing the initiative: “Local businesses that support these awards are not just sponsors; they are stakeholders in the wellbeing of the community,” she said. “Their involvement reflects a shared understanding that thriving communities benefit everyone." This year's sponsors are Cavan Crystal Hotel, Kyte Powertech, CICO, Dovida, Brady’s Kia, Brady’s Skoda, Cavan Credit Union, Clubspot and Axa.
Linda O'Reilly said the awards remind us that success isn’t reflected in medals and trophies, but in the everyday efforts that make local life richer and more meaningful. Inspired by the contribution made by young people recognised at last year’s ceremony, the Celt have introduced a new category for people under 18: The Young Volunteer of the Year.
Community award categories include Volunteer of the Year, Green Project of the Year, Carer of the Year, and Community Group of the Year. An overall Community Champion will be selected from the category winners.
Paul Fitzpatrick, Sports Editor, said the awards were always something to look forward to: “This is a real highlight of the year for us,” he said, before announcing a new sporting category for 2026. “We have a new category for someone who has helped us a lot in publicising their sport and publicising their group,” he said. That award will be presented under the title Sports PRO of the Year.
Sporting categories include Young Sports Star of the Year, Outstanding Achievement Award, and Team of the Year. A special Hall of Fame Award will also be presented by the judging panel, while an overall Sports Person of the Year will be crowned on the day.
The awards ceremony will take place at the Cavan Crystal Hotel on Thursday, May 28, at 4pm.
To enter, click here.