The Community Awards are about recognising and acknowledging in some way the work that is done within our communities, organisations and clubs etc. whereby time is given freely, not for reward of any kind but for the satisfaction of helping others. This event is South Dublin County Council’s way of recognising the efforts of all working in our communities and showing that all of the hard work does not go unnoticed. Without this contribution our communities and our county would be a much poorer place.

The Corporate Sector award recognises the contribution of the business community. Increasingly this sector has become involved in working with and assisting community organisations.

For many years companies sponsored equipment, provided materials etc. for groups active in the county. Their involvement has widened to cover the management and administration of community groups. They now not only support the activities of the group, but also help in how they manage and provide their service.

Connect Website Awards acknowledge the hard work of centre and organisations who keep their Connect Websites informative, user friendly and up to date.

South Dublin County Council Community Awards were held on Friday 13th June 2008 in The Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley, Lucan. The Mayor, Tony McDermott presented the Awards to a wide variety of community organisations and volunteers. Awards were presented to Community Groups, Sports & Recreation Groups, Individual Volunteerism, Community Centre and Connect Websites.

Every year the Mayor chooses an organisation to receive a special award. The recipient of the Mayor’s Special Award 2008 was chosen by the late Mayor Councillor Billy Gogarty, who sadly passed away before being able to present this award to Scouting Ireland. Scouting in Ireland has been in existence for 100 years this year, and this award is to recognise the past 100 years of scouting in the country.

Check back here for details of the 2009 scheme when it is released.