Irish in Britain’s 2026 Volunteer Awards ceremony took place in the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith last week. Created in 2018, these awards aim to shine a light on the invaluable contribution of volunteers to the work of Irish in Britain’s member organisations every day.
The ceremony is a highpoint of the year for Irish in Britain, where winners and finalists receive awards in four categories, alongside a Special Recognition Award chosen by the Irish in Britain team themselves.
Irish in Britain CEO said:
“The Volunteer Awards are a joyous celebration of those who give their time and skills in the service of others, and part of the long tradition of volunteerism that has defined the Irish in Britain story."
He added: "Community volunteers are the lifeblood of our network and represent the best of what we aspire to be. At a time when there are those who look to divide communities, their selflessness is a powerful message of solidarity and shared values; to look out for one another and for those in need of help and connection.”
This year’s host was actor, presenter and producer Derek Murphy who brought warmth and humour to the proceedings.
Louise Rance, representing the event’s sponsors Clover HR, explained to the audience that the company's commitment to the Volunteer Awards came from its founder, Michael Doolin, who sadly passed away in December last year.
Individual Volunteer Award
The individual Award was sponsored by Galway Crystal and presented by Ambassador Martin Fraser to the winner, Peter Lloyd.
Peter volunteers with Birmingham Irish Association supporting their Digital Inclusion sessions designed specifically for elderly participants. He received a special hamper donated by YourIrishShop.
His nominator, Ravinder Gill said: “I would like to thank Peter for all the support he gives in the digital inclusion classes. He supports me every week to deliver lessons and the members always say how patient he is and how much they love having him there.”
The runners up in this category were: Alex Smithersgill, Leeds Irish Health and Homes and Joan Tobin, icap
Outstanding Young Volunteer
Sean Kennedy of Moreland Investments, supporters of the awards since their creation, presented the Young Volunteer Award to this year's winner, Ruairidh Holden who at just 21 years old is the facilitator of the Irish Book Group for Irish Community Care Manchester.
His nominator, Francis Duncan described Ruairidh as "passionate and knowledgeable, and a fantastic example of a young person making a meaningful contribution to their community".
Outstanding Trustee Volunteer
Clare Coffey of the Irish Chaplaincy and John O’Connor, Irish Pensioners Forum of East London were joint winners of the Outstanding Trustee Award., which was sponsored by Karnival with a special prize donated by the Claddagh Ring.
Sinead MacLua, a trustee of Irish in Britain presented the Awards
Clare is the Chair of the Irish Chaplaincy and is recognised for her thoughtful leadership, and is described by colleagues as compassionate, inspiring and possessing integrity during challenging times.
John, at 86 years old, is a founding member of the Irish Pensioner’s Forum of East London and currently serves as the Chair. Nominator Damien Grainger said: “He is a quiet man but is passionate about promoting Irish Culture and heritage.”
The finalists in this category were: Marion Curtis, Luton Irish Forum and Dónal MacCraith, Brent Irish Advisory Service.
Outstanding Volunteer Group
Louise from Clover presented this year’s Volunteer Group Award to The Baby and Toddler Group at Luton Irish Forum. One of the group thanked and said “ We are thrilled to be here, we really enjoy volunteering every week, meeting all the little ones” and she thanked their coordinator Nuala for the nomination
The finalists in this category were: The Lunch Club Volunteers at the Irish Elderly Advice Network and The History Research Group at Liverpool Irish Festival.
David O’Keeffe, Special Recognition Award
The final award of the afternoon was the David O’Keeffe, Special Recognition Award, named after the late General Manager of the Irish Cultural Centre.
Brian Dalton presented this year’s award to Angie Birtill. Brian paid tribute to Angie’s life that has been “dedicated to community, solidarity and social justice”. Angie was born into a Liverpool Irish family; her mum was a nurse from County Meath. She moved to London in the 1970s, was elected a councillor in Kilburn and later joined the London Irish Women’s centre in Hackney.
Brian said: “For the generation of community activists like Angie and her colleagues at the London Irish Women’s Centre this award says you are seen. The work they led for equality, dignity and civil liberties bestowed a legacy across our community network. We owe them much”
Angie was presented with a specially created piece of glassware designed and donated by architect and artist Angela Brady and received the generous prize donated by Chef Anna Haugh of lunch for four at her restaurant, Myrtle.
The event was wrapped up by Irish in Britain Chair Gerard McHale who said he was proud that Irish in Britain were hosting this ceremony and play a part in recognising the work that volunteers do across the country. He also thanked Ambassador Fraser and Diedre Fraser for all the support they have given the Irish community during their time here.
Thank you to all our generous sponsors, supporters and partners:
Our Emerald event sponsors - Clover HR
Moreland Investments Limited: Young Volunteer Award sponsor
Galway Irish Crystal - Award sponsor
Anna Haugh, Myrtle Restaurant
Angela Brady (Special Recognition Award piece)