Celebrating the Unbeatable Belfast

See our report on the 2024 Aisling Awards gala which took place in the Europa Hotel on 24 November here.

Pictured above is our 2024 Aisling Person of the Year Máire Thompson, Principal Hazelwood Integrated College, with son Harry and daughter Gabrielle, receiving her perpetual statuette from John D'Arcy of premier sponsor Open University.

Our thanks to all our sponsors led by Open University and including Cirdan, Argento, TG4, Foras na Gaeilge, Movie House, Concentrix, Giant's Park Belfast, Phoenix Energy, Kennedy Centre and Sean Graham.

Our 2023 Recipients were:

Person of the Year: Daithí Mac Gabhann and Family (Our pic, top, shows John D'Arcy (right) Director Open University Ireland and Michelle O'Neill MLA presenting the Person of the Year statuette to little Daithí, dad Máirtín and grandfather Marty)

Medicare Roll of Honour Award: Prof. Peter Finn, Principal St Mary's University College

Argento Belfast Brand Award: Ulster University for York Street Campus

The Movie House Community Building Award: Hosford Homeless Project & St Comgalls

Cirdan Health & Well-being Promotion: New Script Project (Hugh Cormican, founder Cirdan pictured below presenting to the New Script team.)

The Kennedy Centre Outstanding Achievement in Education Award: St Vincent de Paul and Ligoniel Primary Schools & Workforce

Foras na Gaeilge - Gradam na Gaeilge/Outstanding Contribution to Irish Language Award: Gaeilphoist 

Sean Graham Outstanding Achievement in Sport Award: Naomh Póil CLG

Concentrix + WebHelp Guardian of the Environment Award: Mullaghglass Wetlands Project 

TG4 Arts and Culture Champion Award: Kabosh Theatre for Not on Our Watch by Louise Mathews

Belfast International Airport Best Local Retailer Award: Sandra's Nursery Corner & Direct Furniture