Inaugural Spirit of Kildare Awards held in Aras Cill Dara

RENOWNED ctress, comedian and writer Aisling Bea was among the eight winners announced at the inaugural Spirit of Kildare Awards.

The awards ceremony took place at the Cruinniú Chill Dara Spiegeltent in Naas 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.

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

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.

“I felt emotional coming back to Kildare today,” said Aisling Bea.

“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.”

The Sports Achievement Award was presented to Tadhg Beirne, in recognition of his success at the highest level of international rugby.

Prof Teresa Lambe from Kilcullen won the ‘Women in Leadership’ award. She said: “I’m proud to be Irish, proud to be from Kildare, and even prouder to have Brigid as a middle name.”

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.