Ardmayle Heritage Society honoured at 2025 Cathaoirleach Awards for heritage work

The Ardmayle Heritage Society has been honoured for its long-standing commitment to preserving local history, receiving recognition at the Tipperary-Cahir-Cashel Municipal District Cathaoirleach Awards 2025. The ceremony took place in Cahir House Hotel on Thursday evening, October 16, led by Cathaoirleach Councillor Roger Kennedy.

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The Society was nominated by Councillor Liam Browne, who described the group as a quiet but powerful presence in the life of Ardmayle and its surrounding townlands.

“I was deeply proud to nominate Ardmayle Heritage Society for this year’s Cashel-Cahir-Tipperary Municipal District Chairperson’s Award, a recognition so richly deserved,” said Cllr Browne.

For decades, the Society has been a quiet but powerful force in preserving the story of Ardmayle and its surrounding townlands. From restoring the ancient graveyard and protecting Ardmayle Church, to hosting annual heritage walks and talks that bring our history to life, their work is rooted in love for place and respect for those who came before us.

They’ve championed local archaeology, documented family histories, and ensured that the sacred and historical sites of Ardmayle remain part of our living memory, not just relics of the past. Their dedication is voluntary, tireless, and always community-first.

Cllr Browne added, “in nominating them, I wanted to shine a light on the quiet stewards of our heritage, those who remind us that progress and preservation can walk hand in hand. Thank you to everyone in the Society for your care, your vision, and your unwavering commitment to keeping Ardmayle’s story alive. Ardmayle is richer for your work. Tipperary is prouder because of it.”

In response, the Ardmayle Heritage Society expressed gratitude to Cllr Browne and Tipperary County Council for the honour. “This award belongs to all of Ardmayle,” the group said. “We’ll keep preserving our past, enriching our present, and handing on something we’re proud of to the next generation. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.”

The Society also thanked Denise Harding and Paul Collins of Ballywire Media for capturing the event through photography and video.

The awards ceremony recognised community groups, clubs, and individuals from across the district whose work enhances civic and cultural life.

Recipients included Ballingeary ICA, Burncourt Community Council, Emly Tidy Towns, Fr Mathew Players in New Inn, Loughryan Engineering Services in Grange, Monard Community Hall Committee, Patsy Hennessy and Jonas Callanan of Emly, Tipperary Town Revitalisation, Seamus J. King of Cashel, and The 2 Johnnies and their team.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Roger Kennedy commended the nominees for their service, noting that their work transcends politics and institutions and delivers meaningful value to the lives of local people.

Tipperary County Council expressed pride in supporting individuals and organisations whose activities strengthen community life across the region.

Paul Collins of Ballywire Media served as master of ceremonies, presenting video features that highlighted the achievements of each award recipient.

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