Louth Volunteer Leader Awards 2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Louth Volunteer Leader Award winners!
Last night at Bellingham Castle, as part of #TrusteesWeek, we celebrated six remarkable volunteers who make County Louth a better place to live. Here are your 2026 award winners:
- Trustee Award: Annamarie Lawlor, Irish Girl Guides
For six years Annamarie led volunteers across four counties, kept Guiding going through Covid, and spoke up for volunteer leaders at board level, making volunteering more enjoyable for everyone around her.
- South Louth: Ejiro O'Hare Stratton, Hands4Unity CLG
As Founder and CEO, Ejiro has built a community where people of every culture feel welcomed and empowered, through food, music, coding camps for kids, and mentoring for women.
- Mid Louth: Austin McKenny, Ardee Tidy Towns
Austin leads a garden care programme supporting 41 older and vulnerable residents. He works side by side with volunteers and is always the one making the tea when the job's done.
- North Louth: Damien Mackin, 1903 Dundalk FC Supporters Club and Special Olympics Committee
Damien never seeks the spotlight, but he's always there with a dig-out or a listening ear, and he put in long hours for the club through some very difficult times.
- Leading Young Volunteer: Sophie Cassidy, Irish Girl Guides
A leader for over a decade, Sophie champions inclusion nationally and has a gift for welcoming the young person at the edge of the group.
- Volunteer of the Year: Lukman oyetunji Oyedokun, Ardee Tidy Towns
Lukman is at the heart of Ardee's garden care project, bringing care and high standards to every one of the 41 gardens.
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A huge thank you to everyone who nominated, to all our nominees, to Cllr Declan Power, Mayor of Drogheda, for presenting the awards, and to everyone who joined us on the night.
Volunteering is at the heart of every community in Louth, and these leaders show us exactly why.

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#LVLA2026 #TrusteesWeek #VolunteerLouth #Volunteering #CountyLouth
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