Eco-conscious Tipperary reps up for national awards

Louise Lalor, the found of Clonmel Toy Library, has been announced as a finalist for the the Full Circle Awards 2026, recognising individuals, organisations and community groups who are leading the way in circular living, reuse, repair and sustainability in their local communities.

Louise is up for the ‘Circular Living Advocate’, championing “practical circular living at home and in the garden and has been closely involved with the development of Clonmel’s toy-library and circular-community activity.”.

She’s not the only Tipp finalist, as Circular Square in Clonmel and Cloughjordan Football Club are also on the shortlist.

Cloughjordan Football Club repairs footballs, reuses boots, jerseys and equipment and repurposes existing buildings and materials to reduce waste and make football more affordable.

The Circular Square in Clonmel is Ireland’s first community circular economy hub, and hosts repair events, a toy library, sewing socials, clothes swaps and other activities that keep items in use.

Returning for a second year, the awards, which are funded by the Government of Ireland under the Circular Economy Fund, celebrate the individuals and initiatives helping communities across Ireland reduce waste, reuse resources and promote more sustainable ways of living through local activation.

Last year’s inaugural awards attracted nominations from across the country, highlighting a range of projects and individuals championing circular living through repair cafes, reuse initiatives, sustainable fashion, education and creative upcycling among others.

Each category winner will receive a €2,000 prize along with a one of a kind handcrafted trophy created from upcycled materials. Shortlisted finalists will also benefit from national media exposure, social media promotion and features across the Circular.ie platform.

The winners of the Full Circle Awards 2026 will be announced at the awards ceremony taking place in Carlow on September 17 2026.