Community Champions Celebrated at Chairperson's Civic Awards

A night of celebration and community recognition took centre stage on Friday 20 February when Newry, Mourne and Down District Council held its Chairperson's Civic Awards 2026 at the Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch. Hosted by BBC Radio Ulster's Connor Phillips, the event brought together nominees, their families, community representatives and elected members from across the district to honour those who go above and beyond for others.

The awards included arts, culture and heritage, volunteering, fundraising, youth leadership and human endeavour, followed a public nominations campaign that asked residents to shine a light on the people who make a real difference. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception and photography before the ceremony and dinner got underway.

Newry based Iúr Cinn Fleadh took home the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award. The volunteer-led festival has filled Newry City each August bank holiday with music, language, storytelling and community celebration, drawing thousands of visitors and giving a boost to local businesses along the way.

The Fundraising Award went to Gervase McCartan from Newry, who has spent over 40 years raising money for Cancer Research, accumulating more than £1.25 million for clinical trials at Queen's University Belfast and the Patrick G Johnston Centre. In a lovely touch on the night, Gervase also celebrated his 93rd birthday, with the audience treating him to a rendition of Happy Birthday as he collected his award.

The Chairperson's Special Award, one of the most moving moments of the evening, was presented to Cian McEvoy from Castlewellan. Born with a rare congenital heart condition, Cian has spent much of his life undergoing medical treatment and hospital care, yet he has never let adversity hold him back. In 2025 he won gold at the WUKF European Championship, a remarkable achievement built on dedication, perseverance and countless hours of training. Accepting his award, Cian had a simple message for others: "Just believe in yourself." Connor Phillips described him as "an absolute legend," while Cian himself paid tribute to his coach.

Elsewhere on the night, the Community Pride Award went to Stephen Harris for nearly 15 years of service to Downpatrick Community Allotments, while the Human Endeavour Award recognised the staff team at Cuan Court Children's Home in Downpatrick for the care, love and guidance they provide to the young people in their charge. The Volunteering Award was presented to Ita Gibney for more than 35 years of dedication to the Newtownhamilton community as Volunteer Manager of the Community Centre. The Youth Impact Award went to 17-year-old Rachel Carvill from Mayobridge, a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and international boxing representative for Ireland.

Guests also supported the Chairperson's chosen charities, The Laurence Trust and Head Injury Support, through a charity raffle on the night.

Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said after the ceremony: "The Civic Awards are one of the highlights of the year, as they give us the opportunity to recognise the extraordinary people who contribute so much to life across our district. The stories shared this evening were truly inspiring and a powerful reminder of the compassion, resilience and generosity that exists within our communities. Every nominee has made a meaningful difference, whether through volunteering, leadership, creativity or quiet acts of kindness. I would like to congratulate all of this year's winners and nominees and thank them for everything they do to support others and strengthen community life in Newry, Mourne and Down."

Highlights from the evening will be shared on the Council's social media channels under the hashtag #CelebratingYOU.