This year’s Community Impact Award sees four finalists. Throughout Armagh I‘s history, we’ve reported on countless groups and individuals who have made an impact in their community.
The Community Impact Award, sponsored by Tarasis Enterprises, recognises those who have set out and made a difference in the local community, whether that be working with marginalised or minority groups, or campaigning for a change that benefits everyone.
Those in the running for the Award this year are: Aislinn Grant; Ursula Leighton; Flo McCall and County Show Committee and Joe McCann. Vote for your winner here.
Aislinn Grant runs the Armagh Outreach Team who supply hot food on Market Street in the city every Friday evening. The food is available to homeless people or anyone in need.
At the outreach table, they offer a hot meal, alongside sandwiches, fruit, biscuits and tea and coffee. They also try to identify needs of families, harnessing the power of Facebook and the generosity of the local community to help point vulnerable people to help.
The Armagh food outreach team was initially launched in the city in October 2021.
Aislinn, who had been involved with Newry Helping the Homeless for eight years, says that the outreach has been going strong since its launch in Armagh, noting the tremendous support given from local people and businesses.
However, since its inception, she has noticed the need in the area becoming greater.
Her nominator said: “She is a warm-hearted, dedicated woman showing support to those facing homelessness in Armagh City. She has a good way about her that makes you want to help. She is grateful for all donations and help she receives. She is one in a million in my eyes and many more I believe.”
Ursula Leighton is the co-founder of AEON Community Arts based in Lurgan. She retired from teaching due to ill-health but continued her voluntary work in the community.
Ursula offers art classes, mindfulness activities, upcycling, walks, visits, exhibitions, drop-in sessions, support referrals and teatime chats on a daily basis through her community group.
Ursula has also been working with locals and minority groups to create eye-catching murals for the gates of Lurgan Park. She was involved in Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations at the Jethro Centre and made connections with community groups, their families and friends, local MLA’s, Lurgan Townscape and Heritage and various artists and community volunteers.
She is an advocate of integration and actively seeks out new groups to work with.
Her colourful Big Head Parade through Lurgan Town Centre united all cultures by celebrating art, a common denominator among all people. Her goal is to connect individuals from diverse social, community, professional, business, and voluntary backgrounds.
As Secretary of Armagh County Show, Flo McCall has helped grow the event to a huge scale, alongside the County Show Committee. Through her contacts as a retired vice-principal, and as part of the local farming community, Flo has pulled together a team to build the largest agricultural show of its kind outside the Balmoral Show.
The Armagh County Show is one of the longest-running shows in Ireland, with a report of a show being held in Armagh as far back as 1829.
The agricultural and rural life elements of the show are the driving force and the committee cater to all tastes and interest for the thousands of visitors that attend each year.
A volunteer, who nominated Flo for the award, said they, “couldn’t refuse such a person who really puts others first”.
Joe McCann has served as the caretaker of St Ronan’s College (formerly known as St Michael’s Grammar School) in Lurgan for an astonishing 50 years, as he started in St Michael’s in 1974 when he had just turned 16.
A nominator said: “His legacy of compassion, generosity, and unwavering dedication serves as a shining example of the profound impact one individual can have on an entire community.
“Joe’s contributions have not only enriched the school but have also touched the hearts and lives of all who have had the privilege of knowing him – my 13 year old son being one of them! Joe’s contributions extend far beyond his official duties. He has fostered a sense of camaraderie and joy among the students through his unwavering commitment to organising football tournaments during every break and lunchtime.
“These tournaments, spanning entire terms, have not only provided a platform for physical activity but have also nurtured teamwork, sportsmanship, and friendship among the children – especially with the year 8 pupils entering “big school” which is daunting for them as most will be in classes with none, if any of their past class mates.
“One of Joe’s most cherished traditions is the “Joe’s Boot” award which is awarded to the winners of these tournaments. The trophy symbolises not just victory on the field but also the spirit of unity and inclusivity that Joe embodies. His infectious enthusiasm and genuine care for each child have made him a beloved figure in the school community.
“Joe’s impact goes far beyond the playground. He has been a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration for generations of students and staff alike. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication serve as a shining example of the difference one person can make in the lives of many.
“He has touched the hearts of countless individuals and enriched our community in ways that words cannot fully capture.”
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