Garden County’s brightest stars shine at Spirit of Wicklow Awards

The vibrant community ethos of County Wicklow was celebrated for a second year as The Powerscourt Distillery honoured the winners of the Spirit of Wicklow Awards on Thursday, June 27.

The event, held at Powerscourt Distillery, showcased the exceptional achievements and contributions of the nominees across five categories.

The Spirit of Wicklow Awards were created to recognise those who exemplify the values of community, sustainability, arts, sports, culture, enterprise, and innovation within the Garden County. This year’s winners were deemed to have made significant impacts in their respective fields, showcasing the unique talents and dedication of Wicklow residents.

Commenting on the awards, Powerscourt Distillery’s Head of Marketing, Caroline Gardiner said: “As an Enniskerry native, I am incredibly proud of our unique and beautiful Garden County and the abundance it has to offer. These awards celebrate the passionate and inspirational mindset of Wicklow and its people, seen every day in all aspects of our communities.”

At the event, each winner received a specially commissioned award crafted from Wicklow Oak by Craftsman Ian Robertson, all category winners received a Powerscourt Experience hamper, including Membership of the Estate, Powerscourt Golfing voucher for four, Powerscourt Hotel dinner vouchers, throws from Avoca and selection of Fercullen Whiskeys and tours from the host of the event, Powerscourt Distillery.

The overall Extraordinary Spirit of Wicklow winner Wildacres will also receive a €2,000 bursary, for their own use or donation to a charity of their choice in Wicklow, further emphasising the community-centric ethos of the awards.

The winners for 2024 are:

Overall Extraordinary Spirit of Wicklow Winner: Wildacres

Brian and Gilly at Wildacres have transformed heavily grazed land into a flourishing nature reserve and biodiversity education centre. Their commitment to rewilding and sustainable practices has created a haven for native Irish wildlife and an inspiring model for environmental stewardship. “Their dedication and passion for conservation” have earned them the title of the overall Extraordinary Spirit of Wicklow” winner.

Arts, Sports and Culture Category Winner: Signal Arts Centre

Signal Arts Centre has been a cornerstone of the Bray community for over 30 years, offering diverse art workshops and exhibitions. The inclusive approach supports both emerging and established artists, and its programmes foster creativity and combat isolation. Signal’s dedication to the arts and the community has made it “a standout winner” in the Arts, Sports & Culture category.

Enterprise and Innovation Category Winner: Kilmullen Farm, Wicklow

Kilmullen Farm, led by Eamon and Margaret, exemplifies innovation in sustainable farming with their diverse range of products, including lamb, apple juice, and sweetcorn. Their commitment to education and community engagement has transformed their farm into a model of modern agricultural practices. Their “entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to local produce” has earned them the Enterprise and Innovation Award.

Community Category Winner: Kilbride GAA – Diarmuid Haughian

Diarmuid Haughian has revitalised the community spirit in Manor Kilbride by leading the creation of a GAA sports ground, a children’s playground, and a community café. His tireless fundraising and dedication have provided a vital hub for the local community, fostering a sense of togetherness and pride. Diarmuid’s efforts make him the deserving winner of the Community Award.

Sustainability Award Winner: An Tairseach

An Tairseach has been a trailblazer in ecological sustainability for over 25 years, promoting organic farming and environmental education. Founded by Dominican nuns, the community continues to lead by example, nurturing the earth and inspiring others to follow sustainable practices. Their long-standing commitment to the environment makes them the winner of the Sustainability award.

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