Over the last two months, Armagh I have been surprising some of County Armagh’s unsung heroes. For the first year ever, we went completely digital, surprising each worthy winner live on camera!
With the help of family members and friends – who were in on the win – we organised a time and location to catch each winner completely off guard – and luckily, the plan worked, with each winner just as surprised as the next!
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Awards partner, Armagh Credit Union and ACU Manager, Justin Mallon who presented some of this year’s awards. Also, a special thank you to Tarasis Enterprises who kindly sponsored the beautiful glass trophies each winner received.
From Gosford Forest Park to St Patrick’s RC Cathedral, it was an exciting journey and we loved sharing each reaction with you all. If you missed any of the presentations, check out our winners round-up below.
You can find all of the award videos by clicking here.
The winners in full were:
Inspirational Young Person of the Year – Sam Murray
This year’s first winner was the incredible Sam Murray, who is the very deserving winner of Inspirational Young Person of the Year. With the help of his mum, we surprised Sam at his workplace, Daly’s in Eglish.
The 24-year-old set up all-inclusive sports club, Brave Buddies, in April of this year after tiring of watching his eight-year-old brother Henry being left out of rugby on a weekly basis.
The initiative has grown from strength-to-strength since then and Sam now tells us he has received a grant from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to help further expand his venture and help more children with disabilities to be included in sport.
Community Impact Award – Eileen McKinney
The Community Impact Award was presented to the incredible Eileen McKinney for over 35 years of dedicated service to the Special Olympics.
Eileen has also been teaching and coaching swimming for over 45 years in the Armagh area, helping to set up the Armagh Swimming Club in the 1970s and helping to achieve the best from all the swimmers under her care.
Eileen is now 73 years-of-age and has no notion of stepping down!
Overcoming Adversity to Succeed – David McCoy
This year’s winner of the ‘Overcoming Adversity to Succeed’ Award is a familiar face to many in Armagh city. Whether he has helped pack your shopping or taken your trolly back – he needs little introduction!
A valued member of the Sainsburys Armagh team for 26 years, David McCoy been working in the store from it first opened.
With the help of David’s managers, Adrian and Tom, we were able to surprise David during his shift, presenting him with his well-earned award.
Justin Mallon, Manager of Armagh Credit Union joined us for the presentation with a very shocked David delighted to win his first ever award!
Carer of the Year – Kathryn Smyth
This year, the Armagh I Carer of the Year Award goes to a selfless mum from Markethill who supports families through some of the most difficult times.
Kathryn Smyth – who qualified in learning disability nursing in 2009 and has been working as a nurse for over 15 years – currently works as an at-home nurse for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
The work Kathryn provides is vital, supporting children with complex needs, often with life-limiting or end-of-life conditions and she walks alongside families during some of the most heart-breaking times in their lives.
Champion of the Arts – Kate Boylan
This year, we introduced a new award category for the People of the Year Awards.
‘Champion of the Arts’ recognises an individual that has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the promotion, support and advancement of the arts within their community or industry.
The first recipient of this award goes to Kate Boylan, who for many years has taught free art classes to local aspiring artists in Ballymacnab Community Hall.
The quirky classes Kate hosts help to actively promote the value and importance of the arts in society.
Inspirational Educator – Shea Daly
For the last two years, Shea Daly has been making an extraordinary impact, not only on the lives of his students, but also on their families at Lisanally Special School.
Mr Daly was nominated by parents of the pupils he teaches, with one nominator saying: “He creates a safe, nurturing environment where children feel seen, valued and empowered—regardless of the challenges they face.”
With help from the school principal, Mrs Scowcroft, we surprised Shea during an after-school meeting with all his fellow teachers in the room – who also had no idea!
Justin Mallon, of headline sponsor Armagh Credit Union, presented Shea with his glass trophy, which was kindly sponsored by Tarasis Enterprises.
Rescue Champions – Crossmaglen First Responders
Crossmaglen First Responders are a group of community-based individuals who volunteer their time to provide lifesaving care to those in need.
The Responders always aim to be on site to provide critical care before the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service arrive.
The group is made up of 12 individuals, from all walks of life, who are passionate about helping those in their community. They work 24/7, 365 days a year and rely on public fundraising to bring in vital funds for medical equipment.
Every month, the team meet up for a refresher course and assessments. And just before their training began, we popped in to surprise them with their award!
Lifetime Achievement-Special Recognition – Willie Nugent
Armagh’s Willie Nugent has been honoured with recognition for a lifetime of fundraising
Armagh I organised a surprise get-together at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh to celebrate one of the city’s most dedicated fundraisers.
Willie, who has been fundraising for various charities for more than 50 years, had absolutely no idea he was about to be presented with Armagh I’s Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025.
He had been lured to the Cathedral under the premise that he would be participating in a cheque presentation with Evora Hospice, the beneficiaries of his last charity cycle.
In his last cycle – from Armagh to Newry – Willie raised a total of £2,100 for the Hospice.
And, at 77-years-of-age he has no plans to stop any time soon!
He will now also shortly release his seventh charity children’s Christmas book in the coming weeks.
