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The shortlist has been announced for the County Armagh People of the Year competition and you have got until Saturday to vote for your winner. Organised by the Barney Bowl Foundation the final of the competition is being held in Armagh this weekend and one of the 12 finalists will be selected.
Amber Calvert
Amber Calvert is one of the kindest and most thoughtful young lady you will ever meet. In a world of gimme, gimme, gimme and I want, I want, I want, the Lurgan girls display of generosity and caring for others is a joy to behold.
Having never had her hair cut, (apart from the occasional split-end trim) from the day she was born for her 8th birthday instead of asking for presents, Amber decided to donate 34cm of her hair to the Little Princess Trust to make wigs for other young children that have experienced hair loss through illness.
Not only did she donate her hair, she also set up a go fund me page and between it and monies collected at her birthday party her magnificent gesture also raised vital funds for the Little Princess Trust.
As a daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece or friend Amber Calvert is an inspiration not alone to those that know her, but to everyone throughout the world. We have no doubt, this is only the beginning of something special.
Ashley Clarke
Ashley Clarke from Killylea has single handedly done more to educate people about Huntingtons Disease than most of us will ever realise.
Introduced to the Disease at the age of 14 when her late father Desmond was first diagnosed with Huntingtons Disease, Ashley has over the past 17 years devoted every spare moment to either caring for her late father, helping or educating those affected by the degenerative genetic disease.
Her daily blog "I'm not drunk" has helped so many people understand the impact that the disease has had not only on those affected by Huntingtons Disease but also on those near and dear to them.
An Ambassador for Huntingtons Disease N.I. she has both worked for the charity and travelled the world educating others along the way.
As Huntingtons Disease is genetic, Ashley has also spent the last 17 years living in fear that she would face the same fate as her late father, however thanks to advances in medical science, Ashley recently received the wonderful test results that shows that she is negative for the gene that causes Huntingtons Disease.
A major weight off her shoulders it has energised her even more to continue the marvellous work that she has become synominus with over the past 17 years.
Ashley has always been determined to ensure that no child or young person grows up reading only horror stories online about Huntington’s Disease. She works tirelessly so that they instead know that support exists-here in Northern Ireland, in Armagh, and beyond. She has often said that her motivation has always been simple: that no child should ever experience the lonely fear she felt in 2008.
Bernie O'Connor
Along with being a full time carer for her adult daughter and mother, Bernie O'Connor still finds time to help so many others through her Triple A group that she founded 9 years ago.
Faced with no outlet for her own daughter to connect with other young adults with autism Bernie set up Triple A. Each Wednesday for the past nine years the group have met in a premises on the Cathedral Road in Armagh where they mingled and shared their stories.
Numbers have grown steadily over the years and the appreciation for what Bernie has achieved has been reflected in this nomination.
Brendan and Marie Toner
Brendan and Marie Toner are Armagh legends.
Week in week out they can be found helping someone in need or raising funds for some worthy cause around Armagh City and beyond.
For the past 25 years they have devoted a vast amount of time and effort to helping others. Now both in their 80's and still going strong, most Sunday nights they can be found in the Armagh City Golf Club Clubhouse where the weekly draw they organise continues to raise much needed funds for various needs.
From the small local needs to the large national and international charities, Brendan and Marie Toner have supported them all down through the years and hope to continue to do so for many more years to come.
Declan Heaney
Declan Heaney's journey through life is an inspiration for anyone who feels they have taken the wrong path.
Having become fed up with the education system, he packed in his studies at a young age and headed off to the workplace to make his way in life.
A talented footballer in soccer and Gaelic codes, he had the world at his feet. However after a number of years working he came to the conclusion that the path he was on lacked something in order to advance. He began to regret not following through on his earlier education plan. He decided to go back to education.
Combining studies with work meant many sacrifices had to be made, including giving up his beloved sports.
But all well that ends well and after numerous awards along the way Declan was named twice Student of the Year, British Education Award Winner 2024 and Higher Education Award winner 2024.
Gabrielle McTaggart
For Gabrielle McTaggart, every day with her two boys is a stolen gift. Diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer while pregnant with her second child, Gabrielle was induced early so that treatment could begin. She went through the most intensive chemotherapy available and major surgery not to mention years of neoadjuvant treatment, yet her cancer has not responded as hoped. At just 38, she now lives with incurable disease, moving between oncology wards, scan rooms and conversations about syringe-driver care and hospice support – and then home to pack school bags and kiss small foreheads goodnight.
The toll of treatment, surgeries and constant uncertainty is enormous. Exhaustion and pain are daily companions. And still, Gabrielle plays a leading role in her local Camlough community. As a coach with Shane O’Neill’s GAA club, and a driving force behind programmes for toddlers and underage teams, she can be found out on the pitch or in the clubhouse, helping even the youngest children fall in love with the game. She says this gives her “purpose and joy” on the darkest days.
By telling the truth about what she is facing, Gabrielle wants other families on this path to feel less alone – and she wants communities to really see the reality of cancer and keep rallying around those who need it most.
Madden Community
Madden Community are a prime example of what Community is all about. An area devastated by tragedy, pain and suffering over the past couple of years, the support for each other and the togetherness that has emerged has to be admired by those looking on from the outside.
Culminating in winning a first ever County Armagh Senior Football Championship in recent days the people of Madden have got the true Community Spirit.
Nit and Natters
The story of Nit and Natters is truly heartwarming and inspiring. Founded by Armagh friends Lily McMullan and Gail Steed, the group's dedication to supporting Breast Cancer NI and Evora Hospice (formerly Southern Area Hospice) is a testament to the power of friendship and community.
Gail, the knitter, and Lily, the natter, came together during the challenging times of lockdown, and their partnership has made a significant impact. Lily's personal experience with breast cancer, having lost her father to male breast cancer and her daughter Kathy to stage 4 breast cancer, has driven their mission to support others affected by the disease.
The group's journey began with a simple yet powerful idea - to create headbands and raise funds for Pretty 'n Pink Breast Cancer NI. From humble beginnings, they've grown to a community of almost 100 local ladies who meet regularly to knit and natter, creating beautiful handmade items from donated wool. Their efforts have raised an incredible £140,000+, supporting vital services and providing comfort to those affected by breast cancer.
Their fundraising efforts are diverse and community-driven, with pop-up stalls at local events like the Richhill Show, Armagh Show, and Lurgan Show, as well as partnerships with local businesses and schools. The group's enthusiasm and dedication have inspired many, and their impact extends far beyond Armagh.
Nit and Natters' story is a shining example of how community, friendship, and compassion can come together to make a real difference. Their work is a tribute to the lives lost to breast cancer and a beacon of hope for those affected by the disease. Well done, Nit and Natters - you're an inspiration to us all!
Oscar Black
Oscar Black from Lurgan is a truly exceptional athlete.
On July 2nd 2025, Oscar at 15 years of age became the youngest person ever to swim the North Channel, along side coach Dorothy Johnston - Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers.
Despite having to battle strong currents, which increased the distance he had to swim from 21 miles to over 28 miles and despite numerous attacks by jellyfish, Oscar maintained his composure and stamina and completed the challenge in a time if 16 hours and 38 minutes.
It was Dorothy who coached and was on the boat during Oscar’s solo North Channel swim. When in the Monster dunkers Oscar was invited to swim with the Red Hot Chilli Dippers as part of a two team relay, across the North Channel in Sept 2023. This experience was what give Oscar the idea of wanting to try a solo swim.
A valued member of Lurgan Amateur Swimming Club, Oscar has also represented the club on many occasions and most recently competed in the Irish Summer National Championships.
Swimming is not the only sport that Oscar has excelled at. He is also a talented rugby player, however to concentrate on his swimming, the rugby has had to take a back seat for the time being.
Don't be surprised if in the not to distant future you see the name Oscar Black on the Irish Rugby Team.
Remember where you heard it first. In the meantime, congratulations Oscar, your achievements to date are truly remarkable.
Playr-Fit
Playr-Fit founded by Kieran Quinn and Steven Burns has become a leading light in Ireland's teamwear business.
From humble beginnings in Culloville in South Armagh to their new Headquarters in Cloughoge the company has grown steadily over the past 7 years.
However it is not just the success of the business or the increase in local employment that Playr-Fit has brought to the orchard county that has saw Playr-Fit reach the final of the Barney Bowl Foundation County Armagh People of the Year Awards.
No it's also the benevolent aspect of the business that sees them part of the celebrations. On a number of occasions Playr-Fit has held warehouse clearance sales, when staff have given their time for free and the proceeds of all sales were donated to local charities.
Thanks to Playr-Fit organisations such as Evora Hospice (Southern Hospice), Kevin Bell and Care for Caolan have been on the receiving end of some very generous donations with in the region of £50,000 having been donated to the various recipients by the company to date.
St John the Baptist College
St John the Baptist College has been to the fore of education in Armagh for a long number of years.
However under the leadership of current Principal Noella Murray, St John the Baptist College has scaled new heights.
Thanks to Noella and her dedicated staff 2025 has seen St John the Baptist College receive numerous prestigious awards including the award for best Post Primary School in Northern Ireland.
The Gilpin Family
The Gilpin Family are widely renowned as one of Northern Ireland's leading vegetable producers. Under the Gilfresh banner they have been at the helm of growing top quality vegetables since 1965.
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the business William Gilpin the current owner of Gilfresh when trying to come up with different ideas to mark the occasion was asked by his young sons to grow a field of Sunflowers. Not one to shy away from a challenge, a field of Sunflowers was sown in early May and on August 18th the field was opened to the public to come and pick whatever flowers they wanted.
Admission was free, with visitors encouraged to give a donation, with all monies raised going to Air Ambulance NI.
After a hectic week which saw thousands of visitors call to witness the magnificent sight, George and Tommy's Sunflower Field (called after William and Sharon's 2 sons, the inspiration behind the venture) had raised £12,614.85 for Air Ambulance NI.
A magnificent achievement for the Gilpin Family and Mother Nature.
How To Vote
The overall Barney Bowl Foundation County Armagh Person of the Year 2025 will be chosen by combining the number of unique individual votes received in the final vote, the total value of the votes received in the final vote, the vote they received in the first round, the reason for the nomination and the judge’s final vote.
Voting closes this Saturday 22 November, at 5pm sharp! Votes cost €1 each.
You can vote at potya.choicely.link/vote
Gala Dinner
To purchase or book tickets for the gala dinner this Saturday night call 07599124888 or email armaghawards@gmail.com.
Tickets are now available at Cordelias Takeaway Newry Road, Armagh.
call 07566744600.
Tickets can be bought individually at £70 each or a table for 10 at £700.
