Spirit of Kildare Awards 2026
Inaugural Awards Shortlist Announced to Celebrate Community, Creativity, and Brigid’s Values Across Kildare
23rd January 2026: Kildare County Council is delighted to unveil the shortlist for the inaugural Spirit of Kildare Awards, a highlight of the Brigid - Spirit of Kildare Festival 2026. These awards recognise individuals and groups who make a meaningful difference in communities across County Kildare, reflecting the enduring values of Brigid: compassion, inspiration, equality, creativity and sustainability, through their commitment to community life.
The ceremony will take place on St Brigid’s Day at Cruinniú Chill Dara, a Spiegeltent at Devoy Park, Naas, celebrating those who embody the spirit of community. The awards recognise excellence across seven categories, with shortlisted nominees as follows:
Contribution to the Environment
- Maria O Neill
- Maynooth Tidy Towns
- Maynooth Green Campus
- Anne Street Residents Association
Contribution to Heritage and Biodiversity
- Denis McCarthy
- Frank Taaffe
- Maynooth Green Campus
- Irish Peatland Conservation Council
Contribution to the Arts
- Aisling Bea
- Brian Hughes
- Crooked House Theatre
- Emmet Kane
Sports Achievement
- Aisling Wyer
- Tadhg Beirne
- Ruby Boland
- Patrick Carroll
Youth Contribution
- Athy Sing and Sign
- Calum Duncan
- Ruby Boland
- Leixlip Youth Junior Leaders
Contribution to Community Life
- Majella O Keefe
- Tony McEvoy
- Athy Sing and Sign
- Johnny O Callaghan
Woman in Leadership
- Sister Consilio
- Sister Rita Minehan
- Professor Tess Lambe
- Antoinette Foley
The ceremony will also feature a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating an individual whose work has helped place Kildare on the national or international stage.
This inaugural shortlist reflects the breadth of talent, dedication and creativity found across the county, featuring local community champions alongside well-known figures from sport and entertainment, united by their positive impact and commitment to Kildare.
The awards ceremony will be hosted by Brenda Donohue. The Spirit of Kildare Awards are proudly sponsored by Newbridge Silverware, whose support reflects a shared commitment to celebrating excellence, heritage and community.
Speaking about the awards, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council said; “The Spirit of Kildare Awards are an exciting new addition to the festival intended to bring to life the Spirit of Kildare. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone receive their awards at the ceremony on St Brigid’s Day, at the 2026 Brigid Spirit of Kildare Festival. It gives us a chance to give back to those at the forefront of our community in Kildare, as well as those representing Kildare nationally and internationally.”
The Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Carmel Kelly recognised the nominations, stating: “We are over the moon to see so many fantastic nominations submitted, reflecting the incredible work and the dedication of members of our community. These awards are about shining a light on that commitment and celebrating the incredible community spirit and talent that defines the Spirit of Kildare.”
Nominations for the Spirit of Kildare Awards were submitted by the public and assessed by an independent adjudication panel. Winners to be revealed at the awards ceremony as part of the Brigid – Spirit of Kildare Festival 2026.
Further details on the Brigid – Spirit of Kildare Festival 2026 and the Spirit of Kildare Awards will be available at www.spiritofbrigid.ie and on social media @spiritofbrigid.
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