Spirit of Kildare nominees announced
Holly Lane McBride 6 Eabha O Brien 5. both from Kildare mark launch of the Spirt of Kildare Festival in Kildare Town Photo: Gareth Chaney
KILDARE County Council has unveiled 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 such as 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 in Naas, celebrating those who embody the spirit of community to recognise excellence across seven categories.
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 full list of nominess are: 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 awards ceremony will be hosted by Brenda Donohue, and the awards are 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”.
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.”
Nominations for the Spirit of Kildare Awards were submitted by the public and assessed by an independent adjudication panel.
