Cúnamh Iveragh CLG, based in south Kerry, received a standing ovation on Thursday night as they were announced as the overall winner at the 2024 Kerry Community Awards. The 17th edition of the annual awards ceremony, held in the elegant setting of The Rose Hotel in Tralee, celebrated the dedication and hard work of community and voluntary groups across Kerry.
The awards aim to acknowledge the vital contributions made by these groups in enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and environmental well-being of local communities. Cúnamh Iveragh, known for its unwavering support for children and young adults with intellectual disabilities and their families, provides care in a warm and welcoming environment. The group prioritizes inclusivity by encouraging regular meetings where parents and carers are actively involved in decision-making processes.
A History of Growth and Impact
Cúnamh Iveragh's commitment to supporting those with intellectual disabilities has manifested in a steady growth over the years. In 2013, the group made a significant investment by purchasing an eight-bedroom house in Cahersiveen. One section of the house was thoughtfully converted into a dedicated Day Centre, providing a valuable resource for the community. Building on this success, in 2022, work began on a four-bedroom respite house on the same site, which was officially opened last year.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
The group’s dedication and impact were not lost on the judging panel. Secretary of Cúnamh Iveragh, Brendan Murphy, expressed the group’s immense joy and surprise at their landmark win. “It’s a complete surprise to us,” he said, beaming with pride. “I was totally delighted for the group and for all the people who’ve been involved down through the years.”
Celebrating Community Spirit: Other Notable Winners
While Cúnamh Iveragh took home the top prize, the night also saw other deserving community groups recognized for their contributions. Phoenix Women’s Shed was awarded the coveted title of Best Community Start-Up, highlighting its remarkable impact in a short period.
The event was a resounding success, with a total of 20 community groups being presented with awards, including 10 gold awards and 10 silver awards. The ceremony was a testament to the unwavering spirit of community involvement and the positive impact these groups have on the lives of people in Kerry.
A Legacy of Community Engagement
Bill Morrell, Chairperson of the Planning Team for the Kerry Community Awards, acknowledged the crucial role of sponsors in making the event possible. “The night would not be possible without the generous sponsors who continue to support the initiative,” he said.
Kevin Hughes, Group Editor of The Kerryman and Chair of the Judging Panel, highlighted the significance of the awards and the impressive achievements of all the nominated groups. “We are delighted to have Cúnamh Iveragh as overall winners,” Hughes said. “They are very deserving winners for the vision shown and the brilliant work that they do, much of it behind the scenes.
These awards were first held in 2004, and 20 years later, The Kerryman is very proud to have been involved from the beginning. While it all comes together on nights like these, the success of each awards night is down to a hard working Kerry Community Awards Committee and our judges who are experienced, balanced and fair.”
A Night of Recognition and Inspiration
The 2024 Kerry Community Awards served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community engagement and the transformative power of collective action. It was a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration, leaving a lasting impression on all those who attended. The awards stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of community groups and their role in shaping a brighter future for Kerry.
