Mayo People of the Year Winners 2025

The recipients of the 31st annual Mayo People of the Year Awards have been announced.

The event is organised by RehabCare, Mayo County Council and The Connaught Telegraph.

In total 22 awards will be presented at the gala banquet in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar, on Friday night, November 21.

The recipients are as follows:

Mayo Awards

Cora Mulroy

Cora Mulroy is managing director and marketing manager at Mayo Leisure Point and director at Mayo Movie World, and Mulroy Bar & Leisure in Castlebar.

The old bacon factory site in Castlebar was purchased in 1989 by her late father, building contractor, Mr. Joe Mulroy.

However, it took the Mulroy family several years to formulate plans for the extensive property.

When they discussed the matter, the opening of a bowling alley, was the unanimous decision.

And today the highly successful Mayo Leisure Point is celebrating over 30 years in business.

This independent business woman has won many awards over the years and has contributed in no small way to way to charitable causes throughout the county.

Initially they opened a bowling alley in 1993 which has since evolved since into one of the top entertainment venues in Connaught.

There are 20 full time and 40 part-time staff at Mayo Leisure Point and summertime and holiday periods are always very busy and the staff and the management have been with the company for over 28 and 25 years.

Antoinette Starken and committee of Castlebar Music Festival

Antoinette is founder of the Castlebar Music Festival, Horror in the Barracks and Christmas in the Barracks.

Driven by a small group of community focused volunteers, Castlebar revived its musical heritage last August with the Castlebar Music Festival.

The event was the brainchild of a passionate volunteer group and local committee, which included Antoinette Starken, Shane Cunningham, Alike Lally, Ed Scott, Andy Hannon, Bia Fernandez, Sabrina McHugh and Frankie McDonald, who came together two years ago following community concern about the town’s nightlife decline and the weekly exodus of young people to neighbouring towns.

The three-day event proved a massive success and thousands attended the FREE live music events at multiple venues.

Mary Jackson and Tacú Family Resource Centre, Ballinrobe

Mary and her team work tirelessly to support individuals and families, offering vital services, advice and a welcoming space to those in need. This compassion, commitment and innovative approach have made a lasting difference to the lives of so many people.

Beyond the day-to-day support Tacú plays a central role in community life. Tacú, with Mary as its captain, is the driving force behind much-loved local events such as Africa Day, Mayo Day, Culture Night, Halloween celebrations and Christmas festivities.

These occasions bring people of al ages and backgrounds together, celebrating diversity, strangling community bonds, and creating memories that enrich Ballinrobe year after year.

From providing practical support to fostering community spirit, Mary and Tacú embody the very best of what a community resource centre should be.

Their trojan work has strengthened Ballinrobe, ensuring that everyone feels supported, included and proud of where they live.

James Murray, Castlebar

From an early age James showed an interest in helping others. At just 20-years-old he joined the Order of Malta in Castlebar as a cadet – an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for first aid and ambulance work.

In 1985, opportunity and vocation aligned when Joe Foy, chief ambulance officer of the Western Health Board ambulance service, sought a ‘relief driver’ to cover holidays. Thus, James began his ambulance career that year in Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

Twenty-six years later, James and his wife Siobhan founded Murray Ambulance Service Ltd. What began as a local operation has grown into a national company employing over 100 people across Ireland.

Beyond his professional life, James is deeply involved in his community. He is an active member of Castlebar Golf Club Council and the Rotary Club, as well as Castlebar Pantomime and a former chairperson of Castlebar Celtic FC, and Friends of Croí Castlebar.

A proud supporter of women’s support, James and Siobhan supported the Castlebar Celtic Woman’s National League team for six years, even reaching the FAI Cup Final at the Aviva Arcadian – an historic day for Mayo football.

Carol Commons

Carol Commons made history in August when she became the first Connaught person to swim across the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland.

On Monday, August 18, when she emerged from the bitterly cold seawater north of Port Patrick in Scotland, she did so as part of history.

The Killala woman endured some of the most gruelling conditions, including the bitter cold, as she braved the seas during the night and the stings of jellyfish.

On Sunday, August 17, she set off from Larne with her sights fully set on Scottish shores. This was new territory for any Connaught swimmer, but steeliness was in no short supply in spite of the challenges.

Carol, a Ballina dental practice worker, may have undertaking this mammoth task solo, but she had an army alongside her, as she was joined in a support boat by many people, including her closest friends from Kilcummin Swimming Club.

Castlebar Cycling Club

Castlebar Cycling Club, sponsored by Unit 7’s Richie Needham along with 12 other riders including club members and sponsors Dave O’Malley, Tom Malone, Francis Brogan, Tom Malone, AdrianGallagher, Brian Kennedy, Graine Kennedy, Caroline Keogh a§nd Walter Lyons, John Brennan, David Brennan and Dave Walsh, along with riders from Covey Wheelers Cycling Club, and Islandeady Cycling Club took part in a 65,000km cycle, entitled Giro d’Mayo 500, in aid of Castlebar paediatric unit at Mayo University Hospital, over three days in September.

Before they had embarked on the mammoth cycle, the team had already fundraised over €20,000.

In 2019, Richie Needham and his wife, Elaine were duet celebrate their first wedding anniversary when their then five-month-old son, Cole, had a seizure.

They did not know at the time, but Cole would later be diagnosed as having a very rare and severe form of epilepsy called PCDH19.

The couple were overwhelmed by the medical support they received from Mayo University Hospital that the fundraising cycle was organised.

Frances Casey Maloney

The Foxford District Alzheimer’s Trust Board are delighted to nominate Frances Casey Maloney in recognition of her exceptional dedication, vision and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of peoples living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their families.

Since 2011, Frances has worked tirelessly in a voluntary capacity as a true champion for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Her determination, compassion, and leadership have been instrumental in transforming the landscape of dementia support in the Foxford area.

Frances was the driving force behind the establishment of the Foxford District Alzheimer’s Trust and the subsequent opening of a local day care service for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

What began as a modest three-day-a-week service quickly developed into a full five-day operation under her guidance,

Variety Ireland in Children’s Charity and Castlebar Tidy Towns

The Bee Kind project brought together 60 community groups with people of all ages, abilities and religions to plant 100 heritage apple trees in Castlebar.

It was supported by Mayo County Council, Midwest Radio and The Connaught Telegraph, who came together to share an important message of the importance of kindness to ones self, to community, nature and others.

The project was important for social inclusion, it fulfilled many of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals and all pillars of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of persons with disabilities.

The programme is being replicated by the largest sporting organisations in Ireland and the 100 trees are now a destination for families to visit and harvest the fruit.

Marian Biesty

The Mayo Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded in 2004.

Marian Biesty has selflessly dedicated herself to the largely forgotten issue of animal welfare which is but an afterthought within political circles.

She works around the clock all year. She had a dedicated voluntary team around her organising the volunteers rota, fundraising, social media, to relocate animals, fundraise and highlight issues around animal welfare.

She is very much hands on around the shelter and seeks no accolades. Sometimes its a thankless task when dealing with a minority of the public. Marian has run MSPCA for the past 25 years.

Francesca Gibbons, Callowkilleen, Claremorria

In 2011 Francesca was diagnoses with Stage 3 breast cancer and was told she had three weeks to live unless she began immediate treatment. She fought with everything she had and survived.

She has undertaken many local campaigns, among them the ‘N17 Campaign’, where the road between Claremorris and Knock had become infamous for deadly crashes.

In 20217, a horrific accident at the Lisduff/Meelickmore junction claimed three lives. Francesca decided that enough was enough.

When officials said the dangerous junction would not be fixed for another 15 years, Francesca refused to accept it. She started a petition and in a town about 5,000 people, she gathered 5,000 signatures which she brought to Mayo County Council.

Within months, funding was allocated and before long the €6 million N17 Lisduff Overbridge Project – the largest road safety investment ever made by Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s Safety Division was underway and in March 2023, the new overpass opened.

June Bourke, Knappagh, Westport

June has been an extraordinary ambassador for Mayo, dedicating countless hours, energy and passion to supporting Mayo Relay for Life and the wider community.

Her tireless work with Relay for Life has inspired hope, compassion and togetherness throughout the country. June’s commitment goes far beyond organising events – she is the heart and soul of the movement, offering comfort to survivors, support to families and encouragement to volunteers.

Her positivity and determination have made a real difference in the lives of so many touched by cancer.

Their first Relay event was held in May 2023 and overt the last three years the Relay committee have raised over €300,000 to help fund cancer services in Mayo.

Na Fianna Motorcycle Club and West Coast Knights

Eighty-eight years old, Billy Burrows, a terminal cancer victim and former biker, residing in Blackrock Nursing Home, Foxford, has nominated two exceptional groups of bikers – Na Fianna Motorcycle Club and West Coast Knights – for their outstanding contribution to the community.

Last January members of both clubs raised over €5,000 for Daisy Lodge in Cong, a retreat that supports families affected by cancer.

Later in the year they organises a toy drive for the Paediatric Ward of Mayo University Hospital, delivering gifts in a convey of motorbikes that brought immense joy to the children.

They also collaborated with a Longford motorbike club to raise funds for Careers Ireland, and undertook the Merry Monk Climb of Croagh Patrick, raising €10,000 for Marie’s Foundation for Childhood Cancer. Additionally, they donated €3,000 to Blood Bikes West, supporting vital medical transport services.

Carmel Mulchrone, Sandyhill, Westport

Carmel Mulchrone had been nominated because of her contribution both to local and international fund-raising. She had done so tirelessly over a long number of years spanning from 1997.

For over two decades, Carmel has been a driving force behind the Westport branch of the Chernobyl Children’s International Project.

Carmel and her team raised over €50,000 funding for the creation of a ‘House of Hope’ in Belarus. She has also played a central role in supporting a rest and recuperation programme for children affected by the Chernobyl disaster, both psychically and mentally. She helped bring those children to Ireland for health breaks and cultural exchanges.

Kieran Mulherin, Crossmolina

Kieran’s heart lies entirely in Crossmolina and everything he does is for the betterment of the community – not for praise or publicity, but simply to create a safe, happy and united town.

In February 2023 the Mulherin family suffered the devastating loss of Kieran’s son, Brian. Despite immense grief Kieran continued to show extraordinary strength, grace and quite courage.

That first St. Stephen’s Day Swim after Brian’s passing raised a remarkable €11,720.63 for counselling services at the Ballina Family Resources Centre, supporting mental health in the North Mayo area.

The following year, the event raised €10,504, shared between Mayo Suicide Bereavement Liaison Services and Crossmolina Metals on Wheels.

Young Person of the Year Award

Damien Moyles

Born with albinism and nystagmus Crossmolina young man, Damien has faced significant challenges with his vision. But instead of letting these challenges define him, he chose to define himself – as an athlete, competitor, and a champion.

Representing Moy Valley Athletics Club, Damien has trained tirelessly with a quite determination that inspires everyone who knows him.

Under the guidance of this coach, Dermot McDonnell, he had continued to grow stronger, faster and more confident with every race.

This year, Damien achieved something truly remarkable on the international stage. At the European Para Youth Games in Istanbul, he won gold in the T13 400 meters, running a personal beat time 54.16 seconds, and also claimed silver in the 100 metres.

But beyond the medals and records, Damien’s real victory is his spirit.

Mayo Diaspora Award

John Kavanaugh, Los Angles, California

In 1852, John Kavanaugh left Ballinrobe for ‘the home of the brave and the land of the free’. Nearly two centuries later, his great-great-grandson – also named John Kavanaugh – has built an extraordinary legacy and continues to honour those Mayo roots while inspiring audiences across the world.

John is a nine-time Emmy-nominated and Emmy-winning composer, lyricist and musical director for Disney, celebrated for his work on beloved shows such as ‘Sofia the First’, ‘Elena of Avalor’, ‘Alice’s Wonderland Bakery’, The movie ‘Descendants’ and most recently ‘Vampiric Teenage Vampire’.

His music has touched millions of lives, teaching generations of children about courage, kindness, and the power of imagination.

Despite a stellar international career, John has never forgotten where he comes from. He proudly flies the Mayo flag from his home in LA, which he calls Mayo.

Gradam na Gaeilge Award

Laoise Ní Dhúda and Gaeilge Iorrais

Laois was born and reared in Ballyhaunis but has been living in Blacksod for the past 20 years. Her forte is Irish language planning and development and she has a PhD on the subject.

In 2017 she was instrumental in drawing up a Plan Tanga, under the auspices of Roinn na Gaeltacht, for the Erris Gaeltacht. The plan was accepted by the Department and two years later, in 2019, she was appointed as an Oifigeach Pleanála Tanga do Ghaeltacht Iorrais.

Her work involves promoting the use the Irish language in the Erris region, facilitating an increasing use of the language and strengthening it. After five years at the helm it is abundantly clear that Laoise and Gaeilge Iorrais are making great progress.

Sports Club Award

Crossmolina Deel Rovers

Crossmolina Deel Rovers made history becoming the only club in Ireland to hold both senior and intermediate All-Ireland titles. It is more than a club – it is the heart of the community. Through sport, health, inclusivity, and youth development, it continues to inspire and evolve, ensuring the legacy of the GAA lives on in every generation.

From the age of five, children are nurtured in a structured development pathway, led by trained volunteer coaches. The club emphasises positive coaching, skills development, and progression through age grades, supported by mentoring from senior players and connections with Mayo GAA.

The underage teams form the backbone of the future, and the club season saw several standout performances across Bord nÓg levels, winning North Mayo at minor and Under 16 levels, Mayo GAA Minor Championship winners as well as competing in many finals.

Business Liaison Award

Mangan Brothers

Kenneth, Jarlath, and Trevor Mangan have not only built a successful chain of coffee outlets under the Mocha Beans brand, but have also become pillars of compassion, inclusion, and support within their community.

Since opening their first outlet in Ballina in 2006, the brothers have expanded to six outlets and two mobile units across the country, employing over 55 people full-time.

From the beginning, Mocha Beans became more than just a coffee shop. Its welcoming outdoor seating area quickly became a safe and familiar space for individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges.

In 2008, the brothers noticed that many of their regular customers were anxious about the isolation they would face during the Christmas closure. In response, they opened their doors on Christmas Day, offering food and company free of charge to those who would otherwise be alone.

After the Covid lockdown, they went even further – personally reaching out to regulars who were hesitant to return, offering practical support and encouragement.

In 2024, they hosted a fundraiser for Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. In collaboration with Michael Carr of Carr Meats Ballina, the event raised over €11,000.

Outstanding Young People Recognition Award

Glór na dTonn Céilí Band

Glór na dTonn Céilí Band are the current All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band champions. The band won the coveted title at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025. The band were delighted to bring the most coveted All-Ireland title in traditional Irish music back to Achill, Mayo and Connacht.

The band are the reigning Mayo and Connacht Champions since 2022 and have had enormous success as both individual musicians and as a band since their formation in 2019.

This group of young musicians and singers under the stewardship of Séamus Tiernan of Achill have made an exceptional contribution to Mayo’s cultural landscape.

The band members are Séamus Tiernan, Marianna Tiernan, Kathryn Tiernan, Chloe McGrath, Alan Judge, Jason McGuinness, Thomas Ahern, Conal McCormack, Tom Gavin and Kate Gavin

St. Joseph’s PS Vex Robotics Team, Ballinrobe

The children of St. Joseph’s PS represented their school, their town and their country so excellently last May in Dallas at the VEX Robotics world championships.

When they got to the arena in Dallas the reality of just how huge this all was hit home and yet the kids remained cool, calm and collected.

The children set up their pit and welcomed all the various groups of competitors from all over the world. They treated everyone to their rendition of The Red and Green of Mayo accompanied by their ukulele’s which drew big crowds.

Eleven young 11 year olds under the guidance of teachers and mentors, Edel Roache and Sean Flannelly built a new robot – as the design of the game changes yearly – programmed it to compete various tasks.

On securing, for a second year €20,000 corporate sponsorship, nine children, nine parents and two teachers headed for the USA, and succeeded in collecting the Sportsmanship Award,

Half of Fame

Tom Jennings, Castlebar

For over four decades, Tom Jennings, has been a cornerstone of community life in Castlebar. His tireless dedication, compassion, and selfless volunteerism have touched countless lives and strengthened the fabric of the local community.

Through his involvement in an extraordinary range of organisations including the Castlebar Horse Show, the Castlebar Song Contest, Foróige Helping Hands, the No Name Club, Rehab, St. Vincent de Paul, Knock Stewarding, and the Order of Malta, Tom has exemplified what it means to give freely of one’s time and talent for the betterment of others.

Tom’s most recognised commitment has been to the Order of Malta, where he has given an extraordinary 40 years of unbroken service.

Beginning as a young cadet, Tom worked his way through the ranks to become Lieutenant in charge of the Castlebar Unit.

Tom has been the driving force behind the rebuilding of the Order of Malta headquarters on Pavilion Road.

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