Applications open in Kildare for prestigious awards

Applications are now open for the annual National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards.

The prestigious awards, curated by Age Friendly Ireland, are open to organisations, agencies, and members of the public in Kildare who are making exceptional contributions to make Ireland a great place to grow old.

The deadline for applications is May 30 2025. Applicants can visit https://agefriendlyireland.ie/national-age-friendly-recognition-and-achievement-awards/current-year/ to apply or contact their local authority’s Age Friendly Programme Manager. 

This year there are eight categories, each reflecting a World Health Organisation (WHO) Age Friendly Theme.

This includes the Transport Award; Active and Healthy Ageing Award; Business Innovation Award; Safety and Security Award; Communications Award; Environment Award; Community Innovation Award and Age Friendly Housing Award. 

Speaking on this year’s awards, Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland said: “Building on the continued success of the Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement awards, we’re once again calling on members of our communities to share their stories and achievements.”

She added: “Now in its 9th year, we want to continue to shine a light on projects that make a difference for others, while also showcasing how other organisations can implement similar initiatives. Each project counts in our journey of creating an inclusive Ireland for all, so if you have a project that you would like to put forward, we would love to hear from you.”

Commenting on their winning entry last year, Anna McGillicuddy, Employee Engagement Manager, Customer Operations of eir said: “It was an honour to be recognised with the Age Friendly Business Innovation award, acknowledging the hard work of our team who implemented a tailored customer journey for our customers 65 and over.

“The project makes it simple for our older customers to deal with mobile data, broadband or landline queries. Entering these awards was important to us, to help showcase the importance of building accessible solutions to keep older people connected with their communities across Ireland.

“This project allowed us to make a real difference to people’s lives, and we hope our win encourages other organisations to follow suit or share their own stories.”

The Age Friendly Recognition and Achievements Awards ceremony will be held in the Galmont Hotel, Galway on October 23 2025.

Previous winners of these awards have included eir Ireland for their Age Friendly Care line, An Garda Síochána, Kerry for their Safety Door Hanger Initiative and Brady’s Court, South Dublin County Council for their Infill Age Friendly Housing project.

To learn more about this year’s Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards, see here:https://agefriendlyireland.ie/national-age-friendly-recognition-and-achievement-awards/current-year/

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