Lord Mayor’s Civic, Community & Voluntary Awards 2026

Since 2004, the Lord Mayor's Community and Voluntary Awards have recognised the outstanding voluntary commitment, dedication, and community building ethos in Cork City. With more than 500 organisations active in the community and voluntary sector, these groups form the very heart of Cork City - embodying its caring DNA of togetherness and solidarity.

The public are invited to nominate community and voluntary groups they believe deserve recognition for the valuable work they do. The awards are presented to six category winners and to one overall winner.

The six categories include: 

• Arts, Culture and Heritage
• Community Development and Lifelong Learning
• Social Inclusion, Advocacy and Integration
• Social Enterprise Innovation
• Climate Action and Sustainable Development
• Recreation, Sport, Health and Wellbeing

Category Descriptions & Application Form

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy message:

For more than two decades, these awards have offered a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions of individuals and organisations whose voluntary efforts enrich our communities and strengthen the very fabric of our city, making Cork a better place for all of us.

I now encourage the people of Cork to nominate the community and voluntary groups who deserve recognition for the vital work they do, and I look forward to celebrating these remarkable contributions at our awards ceremony in June - an event in the year that always fills me with immense pride. I would also like to extend a special word of thanks to our media partner, The Echo, for their continued support of this important event”.

CLOSING DATE FOR NOMINATIONS IS Friday, April 3rd 2026.

Winners will be announced at a Civic Ceremony in Cork City Hall on Wednesday, June 10th 2026.