Laughter, connection and true community spirit were in abundance at our heart-warming 11th annual Housing Executive Rural Community Awards ceremony.
Held in The Seamus Heaney Homeplace in Bellaghy, Co Derry/Londonderry and supported by the Rural Community Network and the Northern Ireland Housing Council, the event celebrated the dedication of rural groups and individuals in improving community spirit in rural neighbourhoods.
Three categories were keenly contested – Cleaner and Greener, the Community Spirit award and one for best rural Community Champion.
Opening proceedings, Pamela Johnston, Housing Executive Rural & Regeneration Manager, said; “Our Rural Awards ceremony is such an important event in our calendar.
“It’s where we celebrate and showcase the often complex and challenging positive work in rural communities.
“My vision for the event was lighthearted, fun and celebratory, as community groups get to learn experiences from others and make connections through networking.
“My thanks to all those taking part who made the event such a roaring success.”
Nicole Lappin, Chair of the Housing Executive, said, “I want to give my heartfelt thanks to all those who attended the Rural Awards for their ongoing work in the communities they represent.
“These awards are a real testament to the leadership, commitment and ambition for improvement in our rural communities.
“Now in their eleventh year, these awards emerged from a young people’s photography competition back in 2012.
“Participants wanted good work in rural places to be recognised and rewarded.
“Communities are at the forefront of what the Housing Executive does and we do recognise there are many challenges faced by rural residents, especially those living in more remote areas.
“We’re finalising our new Rural Strategy (2026-31) after a robust consultation process and the voices of rural stakeholders have helped shape our strategic priorities.
“We really appreciate the vital contribution rural of community groups and it was great to celebrate their work through these awards.”
Informative presentations were also provided by a range of organisations, including Rural Resident’s forum, the event host, the Seamus Heaney Homeplace, and the Rural Community Network, who presented a special recognition award to Mary Watson, Chair of Carnlough Community Association at the close of the ceremony.
A highlight of the evening was delightful entertainment provided by Glenlough Community Choir, which combines members from the rural villages of Glenarm and Carnlough.
Winners and runners up were as follows:
Cloughmills Community Action Team (North) and Glenanne Community Association (South) were winners of the Cleaner And Greener award with
Glenravel & District Community & Resident Association (North) Portaferry in Bloom (South) taking runner up position.
The Community Champion award went to Marian Maguire, Glenravel & District Community & Resident Association (North) and Lawrence Murphy, Saintfield Community Association (South)
Well done to runners up, Frankie Cunningham, Dervock and District Community Association (North) and Margaret Smyth, Ardglass Community Centre (South)
The final award of the night, the Community Spirit award, went to Ballintoy Young at Hearts Club (North) and Killyleagh Community Association, South with
Cullybackey Community Partnership (North) and Donaghmore Horticultural Community (South) as runners-up.
Find out more about our rural community awards here: https://www.nihe.gov.uk/community/rural-issues/rural-community-awards
GROUPWINNERS3
Rural heroes unite…Joining Nicole Lappin, Chair of the Housing Executive and Pamela Johnston, Housing Executive Rural and Regeneration Manager (front, middle) are speakers, winners and runners up of the 11th annual Housing Executive Rural Community Awards. The ceremony was held in the Seamus Heaney Homeplace in Bellaghy.
NICOLE2
Nicole Lappin, Chair of the Housing Executive pictured at the 11th annual Housing Executive Rural Community Awards ceremony held in the Seamus Heaney Homeplace in Bellaghy.
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 