We are proud to announce the winners and runners up in Irish in Britain’s 2026 Volunteer Awards. We created these annual awards in 2018 to help shine a spotlight on the people across Britain who volunteer their time and skills and experience to our member organisations every day.
Without the commitment of volunteers, the vital services and support our members provide in their local communities would not be possible.
Here are this year’s winners, but the margins were very close among the many strong nominations, we want to thank everyone who took part.
Our Awards ceremony will take place at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith on Thursday 4 June and our host for the event will be actor, presenter and producer Derek Murphy.
We want to express our gratitude to our event sponsors Clover HR and to our three judges: John Jolly, Christina Lake and Anne Jervis who had the very difficult task of choosing the winners and runners up this year.
Outstanding Individual Volunteer
This year's individual winner is Peter Lloyd - Birmingham Irish Association
Peter is a dedicated volunteer for Birmingham Irish Association’s Silver Surfers Club to support Digital Inclusion sessions designed specifically for elderly participants. Peter is described as " exceptionally dedicated, reliable and empathetic".
Individual Volunteer Runner up – Alex Smithersgill Leeds Irish Health and Homes
Individual Volunteer Runner up – Joan Tobin icap
Outstanding Trustee Volunteer
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Clare Coffey of the Irish Chaplaincy and John O’Connor, Irish Pensioner’s Forum East London are joint winners of the Outstanding Trustee Award.
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. John is recognised for his commitment to the older Irish community in Britain, "giving them a voice and a home from home."
Runner Up Trustee Volunteer – Marion Curtis Luton Irish Forum
Runner Up Trustee Volunteer – Dónal MacCraith Brent Irish Advisory Service
Outstanding Volunteer Group
The Baby and Toddler Group Luton Irish Forum are the winners of this year's group award. Colleagues and parents have described the group as a lifeline, delivering every activity with "thoughtfulness, patience and genuine warmth, ensuring families feel valued and never alone".
Volunteer Group Runner up – The Lunch Club Volunteers Irish Elderly Advice Network
Volunteer Group Runner up – The History Research Group Liverpool Irish Festival
Outstanding Young Volunteer
This year's winner of the Young Volunteer Award is Ruairidh Holden (Irish Community Care Manchester). At just 21 years old, Ruairidh has volunteered as the facilitator of the Irish Book Group for Irish Community Care Manchester over the past 12 months.
For many attendees, the group offers a opportunity to connect with others who share an interest in reading and Irish culture, helping to build friendships and reduce social isolation. Ruairidh is described as "passionate and knowledgeable, and a fantastic example of a young person making a meaningful contribution to their community".
David O’Keeffe, Special Recognition Award
We are very pleased to announce that the winner of this year's Special Recognition Award is Angie Birtill.
Angie was born in Liverpool, her mum was a nurse from County Meath. She moved to London in her 20s and was elected as Labour councillor in Kilburn in 1982. Angie became involved with the London Irish Women’s Centre in 1988, which she has said "Became a haven not just for thousands of newly arrived women but for any Irish women who felt marginalised"
She became central to the work of the Centre, which included supporting some of the most marginalised Irish women, including Travellers and women in prison. Angie has remained a committed political activist all her life and this award is being presented in a special year, as it also marks the anniversary of the founding of the Centre and the development of the archive at London Met documenting its unique contribution to the Irish community in London.
This Award was created by Irish in Britain in memory of the late David O’Keeffe, who was the General Manager of the Irish Cultural Centre until his sudden death in 2019.
David had a distinguished career in community arts and media and championed our unique cultural contribution here in Britain. The recipient is chosen by the Irish in Britain team and is now an annual feature of the awards.
We look forward to welcoming all the winners and finalists to the Volunteer Awards ceremony.
Sponsors
We want to express our gratitude 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)