Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Awards 2025 highlights incredible contribution of individuals and groups to their local communities

Awards celebrate the unsung heroes in communities throughout County Longford

Press Release: Monday, 19 May 2025 

Longford County Council acknowledged a number of community groups and individuals who have contributed selflessly to their local communities at the annual Cathaoirleach Awards which were held in Áras an Chontae this week. 

The Cathaoirleach Awards are an annual initiative to acknowledge and reward voluntary activity which contributes greatly to the quality of life in communities across County Longford. 

The recipients of this year's Cathaoirleach Awards were:

• Aiden Ganly, Cathaoirleach Award, nominated by Cllr Mark Casey, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council
• Colmcille Area Development Group and the landowners of the Aughnacliffe Heritage Trail, nominated by Cathaoirleach Garry Murtagh, Granard Municipal District
• John Ryan, nominated by Cathaoirleach Pat O'Toole, Ballymahon Municipal District 
• The staff of Longford Post Office, nominated by Cathaoirleach Seamus Butler, Longford Municipal District

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Mark Casey said, "The Cathaoirleach's Award are a heartfelt celebration of the unsung heroes who form the backbone of our communities in County Longford. These individuals and groups dedicate their time, energy, and compassion without seeking recognition. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that their communities are stronger, more vibrant, and caring places. It is our honour to shine a light on their incredible contributions. They inspire all of us to build a stronger, more connected county."

Presenting the Cathaoirleach Awards, Cllr Casey said that Aiden Ganly had been a tremendous ambassador for the county and he acknowledged Mr Ganly's years of work with the Longford Association in London over many decades. Cllr Casey said that Mr Ganly and his wife Mary had provided a sense of connection and community for so many Longford people in London. 

The Colmcille Area Development Group and the landowners of the Aughnacliffe Heritage Trail were recognised for their contribution and generosity in supporting the vision and the development of the Aughnacliffe Heritage Trail. The trail not only provides leisure and recreation within the community but is also an added benefit to the tourism package that the Local Authority is continuing to develop. 

John Ryan was recognised for his outstanding voluntary work within the Ballymahon community. He has a lifetime of involvement with Ballymahon GAA, various local committees and a 25-year involvement with Ballymahon TidyTowns. 

The staff of Longford Post Office were also recognised for their sense of continuity, reassurance, and positive interaction with the public. There are records of a post office in Longford Town since 1824. The staff have always come from core Longford families and were part of the community and well known respected. 

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said that the Cathaoirleach Awards was a highlight of the council calendar and a true celebration of the people who make our communities thrive. 

The Chief Executive said, "I want to pay tribute to all our award recipients including Aiden Ganly for his outstanding work with the Longford Association in London as he and his wife Mary were a vital lifeline for so many Longford people in the UK over many decades. The Colmcille Area Development Group and the landowners of the Aughnacliffe Heritage Trail have supported the development of a fantastic leisure and recreation amenity in their community while John Ryan from Ballymahon embodies the very essence of community spirit and all that is good about voluntary work. The staff of Longford Post Office have also been rightly recognised for their years of service to the local community as they provide a sense of continuity, reassurance, and positive interaction with the public. 

"These awards are more than a ceremony - they are a recognition of the people who go above and beyond - quietly, generously, and often without expectation or recognition."

The Chief Executive extended thanks to Longford County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Mark Casey for leading this important initiative and to all those involved in organising the awards including Meetings Administrator Lorraine McKee and members of the corporate team at Longford County Council. 

Meetings Administrator Lorraine McKee said, “Congratulations to all award recipients. We are delighted to recognise the valuable contribution made by all of you in communities throughout County Longford. You have given your time, energy, dedication, and passion to making our communities more inclusive, vibrant, and connected.”