Picture: Tatyana McGough
South Kerry-based Cúnamh Iveragh CLG has been announced as overall winner at the 2024 Kerry Community Awards.
The awards recognise the work of the community and voluntary sector in improving the social, economic, cultural and environmental quality of life in local communities across Kerry.
Cúnamh Iveragh, based in Cahersiveen, supports children and young adults with intellectual
disabilities, as well as their families, providing care in a comfortable setting.
The group conducts regular meetings where all parents and carers are encouraged to attend and get involved in decision making.
In 2013, the group purchased an eight-bedroom house in Cahersiveen, with one section of this house subsequently converted into a Day Centre. In 2022, work on a four-bedroom respite house also began the site and this was officially opened last year.
Secretary of the group Brendan Murphy remarked: “It’s a complete surprise to us, I was totally delighted for the group and for all the people who’ve been involved down through the years.”
A special award for best community start-up was also presented to Phoenix Women’s Shed.
Bill Morrell, chairperson of the planning team for the Kerry Community Awards said the
night would not be possible without the generous sponsors who continue to support the
initiative.
Group Editor of The Kerryman and chair of the judging panel, Kevin Hughes, said it was another special night with an equally special winner.
“We are delighted to have Cúnamh Iveragh overall winners. They are very deserving winners for the vision shown and the brilliant work that they do, much of it behind the scenes,” he said.
20 community groups in total were presented with awards on the night with 10 groups
receiving gold awards and 10 receiving silver.
WINNERS
Acard Ltd. Cahersiveen – Silver
Ballyduff Tidy Towns – Silver
Cairdeas Camp – Silver
Cromane Community Council – Gold
Cumann Tithíochta na Dromoda Teo – Gold
Cúnamh Iveragh – Gold & Overall Winners
Dingle Literary CLG – Silver
Glenbeigh CC/Tidy Towns – Silver
Kenmare Community Garden – Gold
Kerry Mental Health Association – Gold
Killorglin Family Resource Centre – Silver
Knocknagoshel Tidy Towns – Gold
Lyreacrompane and District Journal – Silver
Phoenix Women’s Shed – Silver and Best Community Start-Up
Recovery Haven – Gold
St Brendan’s AC – Silver
Sneem Development Co-Op/Sneem Tidy Towns – Silver
Social Action Group Rathmore – Gold
Tralee Tidy Towns – Gold
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