Actress, comedian and writer Aisling Bea among winners announced at inaugural Spirit of Kildare Awards

Renowned actress, comedian and writer Aisling Bea was among the winners announced at the inaugural Spirit of Kildare Awards.

The awards ceremony took place at the Cruinniú Chill Dara Spiegeltent, Naas, Co Kildare as part of the Brigid 2026 Spirit of Kildare Festival. 

The Awards are a new initiative celebrating the individuals and groups who embody Brigid’s values through their contributions to community life across Kildare. 

Opening the event, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Kildare County Council, said:

“The Spirit of Kildare Awards recognise the people who quietly and consistently make a real difference. The recipients this year reflect the depth of talent, generosity and community spirit that exists right across Kildare.” 

Aisling Bea received the Contribution to the Arts Award, in recognition of her exceptional influence on Irish culture, both at home and internationally. From critically acclaimed television and film roles to sold out live comedy tours and global audiences, Aisling has become one of Ireland’s most recognisable creative voices, while continuing to proudly champion her Kildare roots on a world stage.

Speaking on the night, Aisling Bea said:

“I felt emotional coming back to Kildare today. On the way here, I thought about the diversity of the women I brought as my guests, who raised me and how they embody the spirit of Kildare. 

When I think of Brigid and the legends around her, modern women are more connected than ever to the ancient Irish women. Brigid symbolised science and culture, and she embodies the nuance of a person. She is our only Irish patron saint, and she symbolises all the different types of lives women can live — a woman deciding how much space she wants to take up, and she didn’t wait for permission on how much she was allowed. She just put down her cloak and decided how much space she wanted to take.”

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The Sports Achievement Award was presented to Tadhg Beirne, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Irish sport and his success at the highest level of international rugby. A key figure in Munster Rugby and the Ireland squad, Tadhg has consistently demonstrated excellence, resilience and leadership on the world stage, inspiring pride both locally and nationally through his achievements.

Upon receiving the award, Tadhg Beirne said:

‘I’m incredibly proud to have won the Spirit of Kildare Award in the Sports Achievement category. Kildare is where my love for sport began. To be recognised by my own county makes this honour even more special. I’m a proud Kildare man, especially today.’

The Woman in Leadership Award was presented to Professor Teresa Lambe, recognising her internationally respected leadership in science and public health, and her role in shaping global research while proudly representing Kildare on the world stage. 

Upon receiving the award, she said: 

“I’m proud to be Irish, proud to be from Kildare, and even prouder to have Brigid as a middle name. Kildare is home, it shaped me and instilled values of care, perspective and community. It was communities like those in Kilcullen, across Ireland and across the globe, that helped carry us through the pandemic. St Brigid’s legacy of compassion, courage and service feels especially fitting in how this work was done, together as a community.”

The Spirit of Kildare Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sister Rita Minehan, in recognition of her exceptional contribution and enduring impact, and for the role she has played in championing community, compassion and service across Kildare and beyond, bringing to life the legacy of Saint Brigid. 

Speaking on the night, Sister Rita said:

“I am deeply honoured to receive this special Spirit of Kildare Lifetime Achievement Award. It is humbling to receive such a prestigious award. I feel lost for words to convey the depth of my delight, joy and gratitude.”

Speaking following the Awards, Cathaoirleach Councillor Carmel Kelly said: 

"The recipients of our awards tonight, the first-ever Spirit of Kildare Awards, reflect the enduring spirit of Brigid, as strong now as it was 1,500 years ago.

I say not just to the winners, but to all people and groups active across our wonderful County, a huge thank you for your incredible contributions, and for shining such a positive light in Kildare and on Kildare.”

The full list of award winners included:

• Contribution to Community Life– Tony McEvoy
• Contribution to Heritage and Biodiversity– Frank Taaffe
• Contribution to the Arts – Aisling Bea
• Contribution to the Environment– Anne Street Residents Association
• Youth Contribution– Ruby Boland
• Sports Achievement– Tadhg Beirne
• Woman in Leadership – Professor Tess Lambe 
• Lifetime Achievement– Sister Rita Minehan csb 

Further details: www.spiritofbrigid.ie