Rewarding ‘community spirit’ across Monaghan

There was a full house for the 19th annual Monaghan Co Council awards in the Peace Campus, Monaghan Town on Monday evening. Master of Ceremonies, Mary McGarvey noted that the event was dedicated to “celebrating outstanding achievements, passion and community spirit.”

Cathaoirleach P.J. O’Hanlon said it was one of the greatest honours of his life to be the first citizen of his home county. “The great thing about this awards evening, it’s all about you and what you bring to the county of Monaghan,” which despite its growing population of around 65,000 people, maintains a strong sense of community spirit.

“I want to say thank you so much for what you do for the county.”

Chief Executive Robert Burns said that he looked forward to the awards ceremony every year and commended the elected members for putting money aside for the scheme. He sees Monaghan Co Council as a trusted community partner. “This is about honouring what people are doing in communities, making a difference … everybody's a custodian, there's a tradition being handed down, be that in music, sport or being a good person in your community.”

There were 17 award winners in all across four categories: Arts and Culture; Environment; Community; and Sports and Recreation. Each received a crystal award with their name engraved on it and a certificate of recognition from Monaghan Co Council.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Sean MacDiarmada Scór na nÓg Ballad Group were honoured for winning both the county and Ulster titles in 2025. Katie Brabazon, Zara Drum, Cianna McCormick, Roisin Murphy and Eimear Beagan, collectively represented their club, county and province in the All-Ireland Scór na nÓg finals in January 2026.

Four individuals who competed at the All-Ireland Fleadh in August 2025 were honoured: Colm Kirke, winner of the Senior Men’s English Singing Competition; Neansaí Nic Dhomhnaill took first place in the Irish and English Singing in the U12 Category; Oisin Reilly took first place in the Banjo and Drums in the Over 18 Category and Evan Ní Threinir came first in the Comhra Gaeilge U18 Category.

ENVIRONMENT

The Greenan family, namely Padraic, Paula, Ryan, Hannah and Zoe, won an award in the Environment Category for hosting The Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) Open Day on their farm in July 2025. This national event attracted over 4,000 visitors. The Greenan’s were hailed as “excellent ambassadors for the Co Monaghan dairy industry.”

COMMUNITY

In the Community Category, Norman Griffin was honoured for dedicating his life to swimming education and water safety in Co Monaghan over six decades. Instrumental in the Community Games movement, he has taught thousands of children how to swim in Monaghan swimming pool since the 1970s. Norman was credited with “saving lives, nurturing talent and inspiring generations of young people.”

Cú Chulainn Blood Bikes were acknowledged for their voluntary charitable work providing free urgent transport of blood for transfusions, human milk for babies, lab samples and patient records. They are available 365 days a year, supporting hospitals and healthcare facilities in Monaghan, Louth, Meath, Cavan and Fermanagh.

Tales and Tunes Laragh, which takes place in the Tin Church is a grassroots initiative, which has created more than a performance space – it provides a lifeline for connection in a rural area, aimed at tackling loneliness and isolation.

Rockcorry GAA Club Secretary Martina McKeown was honoured for her outstanding service, exceptional dedication and lifelong commitment to club and community.

Magheracloone Community Centre Trustees were recognised for working tirelessly during negotiations to bring the new centre to fruition, after the previous building was deemed unusable following the subsidence incident at Magheracloone GAA’s former grounds in September 2018.

Latton O’Rahilly GAA Club’s Scor and Culture Officer Sarah Farmer was honoured for her enthusiasm for and promotion of the Irish language and culture within the club, which was reaping dividends.

SPORTS AND RECREATION

Shay McDaid received an award for his multiple sporting accomplishments at the Ulster Track and Field Championships, for the High Jump and Long Jump. He won gold at the All-Ireland Indoor Championships, setting a new personal best of 1.3 metre in High Jump.

Clones Paralympian Shane McLoughlin made his first appearance in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2024 after pulling an 18-tonne truck. During 2025, he kept pulling heavier trucks and is now the proud holder of six Guinness World Records. Shane is an advocate for amputees and is an ambassador for the promotion of sport for people with disabilities.

Padraig Deery took home his third gold medal and third All-Ireland title at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore in September 2025 and for his efforts representing Monaghan, the local authority gave him an award.

Eoin Hand, who was the youngest ever winner of the Senior Horse Class at the National Ploughing Championships, was congratulated.

Last but not least was Mickey Holohan, who represented Monaghan in Handball when he competed in The Diamond Masters B where he won gold in Ulster and at All-Ireland level in 2025. He and his sporting doubles partner John Treanor also won silver in the All-Ireland Handball Championships.

And the biggest winner on the night? The communities these people represent.

For photos of all presentations, see this week's print edition of the The Anglo-Celt