Limerick City and County Council congratulates Community Volunteer of the Year

LIMERICK City and County Council is congratulating Helen O’Donnell after she was named Community Volunteer of the Year at the All Ireland Community & Council Awards 2026, at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. 

Helen, who was nominated by Limerick Council, received national recognition for her extraordinary leadership and decades of service to community development and environmental action in Limerick.  

As Chair of Limerick City Tidy Towns and cofounder of Team Limerick CleanUp (TLC), Helen has mobilised hundreds of volunteers, strengthened community cohesion, and helped create a cleaner, more vibrant Limerick. 

Marking its 20th year, the 2026 Awards celebrated: 20 years of the LAMA Community & Council Awards, 40 years of the LAMA Executive and 100 years of the main sponsor, IPB Insurance.

READ MORE: Limerick turns up the volume with strong line-up for the 54th International Band Championship

This year saw an unprecedented 533 nominations from councils across Ireland, narrowed to 137 shortlisted entries across 26 categories, recognising exceptional local authority projects, partnerships, and community champions. 

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, congratulated Helen on her achievement: 

“Well done to Helen. This award is a well-deserved national recognition of the years upon years and the hours upon hours of volunteering time that she has put in to our communities across the city and county. Helen’s work has made Limerick a much better place to live in. Limerick is very proud of her.” 

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery, added: 

“Helen embodies the spirit of community action. Her passion, organisation and ability to bring people together has strengthened neighbourhoods right across Limerick. This award reflects not only her tireless work but the commitment of every volunteer she has encouraged along the way.” 

Director General of Limerick Council, Dr Pat Daly, said: 

“Helen’s work shows the true power of partnership between communities and their local authority. Her leadership has helped transform public spaces, grow volunteerism, and inspire a sense of shared responsibility across Limerick. We were proud to nominate her, and even prouder to see her recognised on a national stage.” 

Limerick Council warmly congratulates Helen O’Donnell on her outstanding achievement and thanks her for her unwavering dedication to shaping a cleaner, stronger and more connected Limerick.