Local heroes honoured at 2025 Drogheda Borough District Mayoral Awards

The 2025 Drogheda Borough District Mayoral awards took place at the Exhibition Space at the Civic Offices, Fair Street, on Monday, 12th May.

The awards allow Municipal Districts to hold and grant Municipal Awards annually to local individuals or groups. 

Following a nomination and consideration process by the elected members of Drogheda Borough District, nine awards were granted to inspirational persons or groups who achieved outstanding goals, demonstrated unwavering service to the community or represented the community nationally or internationally.

The event, which was compered by Susan Deery, Administrative Officer, Louth County Council, opened with Cllr Paddy McQuillan, Mayor of Drogheda Borough District, commenting on the depth and variety of the nominations and praising each winner on how they individually, or collectively, enhanced the greater community.

“I am lucky enough to be the 424th mayor of Drogheda,” said Cllr McQuillan. “There is an ancient, constant line dating back to the first mayor of Drogheda, Hugo Coyne, in 1285. Although these awards are not that ancient, they go back decades, and they will continue for decades to come.

“The Mayoral awards recognise a wide range of outstanding talents and contributions to our communities. The nominees are people that we recognise as leaders and change makers towards a vibrant, modern and confident society.

“Over the past year, I have witnessed first-hand the difference that the award winners, both as individuals and collectively, have made to Drogheda.  They are the pride of our community, and also their families and friends, and as mayor and first citizen of Drogheda, I am honoured to be able to show our appreciation to them all.”

Cllr McQuillan’s words were echoed by Louth County Council Chief Executive, David Conway, who said: “It’s fantastic to see the wide array of award winners, ranging from heritage to services, to sport, to the local community.

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“Many of the recipients represent a group or a team, and they all play a part in making County Louth a better place. One of Louth County Council’s values is being citizen-centric, and each of the award winners lives by that value on a day-to-day basis.”

Accompanied by music from the Cooney family, the nominees were called forward and presented with their certificates by Cllr Paddy McQuillan, Mayor of Drogheda Borough District.

2025 Drogheda Borough District Mayoral Award Winners

• Friends of Bully’s Acre: For their commitment to safeguarding Drogheda’s heritage by transforming the old workshop graveyard beside Calvery Cemetery into the beautiful space it is today
• The frontline workers in the Emergency Department of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital: For their commitment to providing care, especially during the most challenging times. Their daily work embodies the values of dedication, professionalism and resilience.
• Termonfeckin Celtic FC: For promoting inclusive values and the participation of females in soccer by establishing the Zara Murphy Academy, in honour of their former player who tragically passed away in the summer of 2024.
• Coaching team and volunteers of Tredagh Boxing Club: For their services to boxing and the community in Termonfeckin and the wider Drogheda area, where the club continues to grow in stature as a club that produces and nurtures young talent.
• Ryan Brennan: In recognition of his commitment and dedication to his hometown club, Drogheda United Football Club, for whom he has made over 200 appearances and lifted the FAI Cup as captain in 2024.
• Grainne Berrill: For her commitment and dedication to the betterment of communities and individuals through her work as coordinator of the Drogheda Implementation Plan.
• Paulette McArdle: In recognition of her key contribution to the Drogheda & District Support 4 Older People over the past decade.
• Clogherhead Women's Shed: For fostering friendships, creativity and wellbeing in a welcoming community and providing a safe space for women in Clogherhead and surrounding districts.
• Boyne Athletic Club: For being a cornerstone of youth development, inclusivity and producing several athletes who have proudly represented Drogheda, Louth and Ireland.

Light refreshments were served after the event, allowing the award winners time to catch up with other recipients and celebrate with their families and friends.