The Environmental Forum Annual Environmental Awards Ceremony in the lovely historic location of St. Peter’s, Cork City on Thursday 12th December. The ceremony commenced with the winners of the Forum’s four sectoral pillars, followed by the Circular Economy special Award category and this year the Board of the Forum honoured Tom O’Byrne, Ecologist with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades long contribution to protecting and restoring species and habitats but most especially the creation of the Clogheenmilcon Fen near Blarney.
The Outstanding Individual Category winner went to not one but three amazingly dedicated people Tony Nagle, John Lusby and Alan McCarthy for their combined efforts over many years to help restore the Barn Owl population. Whilst all three are involved with Birdwatch Ireland they went above and beyond to halt the decline of the Barn Owl and after many years we are now seeing a very hopeful increase due to their efforts. Paul Moore in introducing their work said “There is now hope that Barn Owls could be removed from the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland in the near future which is a result of the efforts of Tony, John & Alan”. Tony Nagle in accepting the Award highlighted the immense passion and work that has gone into recording populations of Barn Owl, identifying the reasons for such declines including lack of nesting sites, removal of hedgerows and food sources, and use of rodenticide all contributing. Alan has been prolific in the provision of nest boxes which have really helped and a big part of the effort is the farmers who have supported the work and changed practices and allowed boxes to be placed on their land.
Fintan Kelly, Policy Officer with the Irish Environmental Network received a Commendation in this Category in recognition of his incredible efforts to ensure that the Nature Restoration Law was passed at an EU level. Justin Byrne, Fintan’s colleague at the Irish Environmental Network accepted the Award on his behalf as due to illness he was unable to be here. Justin mentioned Fintan’s determination, drive and leadership in the campaign to mobilise environmental NGOs in Ireland, politicians and the public to get behind the Nature Restoration Campaign. The upswell in public support, together with efforts at EU level meant the minds of some Irish MEPs were changed and they voted in favour of the controversial law. Nominator Elaine McGoff in her nomination said “Ireland is widely credited with saving the Nature Restoration Law in the European Parliament, and a great deal of that comes down to Fintan’s efforts.”
Goleen Harbour in rural West Cork is the well deserving winner in the Business & Commercial Category. Deputy Mayor of the County, Cllr. Dominic Finn in his address highlighted the reasons that this eco-tourism business is receiving the award “for their holistic approach in developing the business and incorporating zero carbon district heating and power on site, turning food waste into biogas to cook with and providing a high value compost tea for their closed loop nutrient cycle system for their vegetable growing”. Matt Mills, co-founder spoke about the journey to developing the business after many years as an activist and environmentalist but also a designer. He highlighted too the innovative model of funding the enterprise which meant a more community linked financing. Shirley Gallagher, absent on the night due to illness, said in her nomination “It is a fantastic eco-tourism business incorporating circularity, ecology and energy efficiency which others can replicate”.
The Old Oak Pub & Restaurant, Cork City received a commendation under the Business Category. The Deputy Mayor mentioned the substantial environmental and energy efficient enhancements they had made to the business and the leadership role they play by eagerly sharing their experiences at events and encouraging others SMEs and hospitality businesses to carry out these transformations and help lower the GHG emissions of the City. Ger Kiely who accepted the Award on behalf of the Old Oak gave a short but heartfelt input that there is not an alternative otherwise we rob the future from our children and it behoves us all to do what we can where we can.
Togher Community Garden were honoured with the Community & Voluntary Award. Mandie Rekaby on behalf of the group gave an overview of the activity delivered by this volunteer led Garden over the past three years. Growing food in raised beds, bringing biodiversity back to a once old bog. A pond, dug by hand, was recently installed. The Garden is organic with no electricity, rain water is harvested and compost made. The garden runs free workshops on all things biodiversity and how to grow your own food, only using native Irish seeds, there is a tree nursery of Irish oak grown in a duneman box. Mandie said “I would love for every Community that has a green space to utilise it and get back to nature, teach the next generation to grow their own food and how all the insects help us” Rob Gandola, Wildlife Consultant and Herpetology Society had driven from Wicklow to be at the event to present this Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award, he was strong in his praise of the work of the group and emphasised that “this is the future of community and for supporting all life”.
Donal Sheehan, well known farmer involved with the BRIDE Farming with Nature Project introduced the Public Sector Award which was won by Gas Networks Ireland for their Biodiversity project at the Grange Sub-Station in North Cork. Donal explained how the one acre site was transformed into a haven for nature through replanting, pond installation and changes in existing management practices at the site. He said “what is unusual is that this is a large company taking responsibility for their own small land footprint and leading by example”. Jessica Long, Biodiversity Lead and Grainne O’Reilly, Social Sustainability Manger were present to accept the Award. Jessica in her acceptance thanked Donal for the nomination and explained how biodiversity audits had been conducted so that can track improvements. Tim Butter, Farmer Moth Monitoring Officer with the National Biodiversity Centre said “It’s really encouraging to see the actions of Gas Networks Ireland transform a relatively sterile environment into a nature haven, an example of biodiversity gain and this is just one of 55 sites around the Country that they are working to enhance for biodiversity.”
Pic Diane Cusack
The special Circular Economy category was won by Relove Fashion based at the Rediscovery Centre. An unavoidable clash, as the Centre had its own 20th Anniversary celebrations the team couldn’t attend but Pauline McDonogh, Senior Scientist, Southern Waste Region Planning Office, who support the project was there to outline the project and to accept the Award. Pauline highlighted the issue of fast fashion, but also the fact that we now have targets under the Circular Economy Strategy for textiles. She explained that Relove Fashion is a sustainable fashion competition open to young people in Ireland of secondary school age and to date almost 600 young people have engaged with the competition, stating that “By providing young people with an opportunity to learn about where their clothes are from, and showcase their creativity while promoting sustainable fashion practices, the competition encourages a shift towards a more circular and sustainable society.” Justin Byrne, Irish Environmental Network in presenting the Award was effusive in his praise of the Rediscovery Centre and of this initiative which is really tacking a pervasive consumption issue that has implications for water, energy, pollution and much environmental degradation. He congratulated all involved for their efforts.
This year the Lifetime Achievement Award went to a man who has dedicated so much of his life and energy to protecting habitats and species, ecologist Tom O’Byrne. Tom and Alf McCarthy, were one of radios first wildlife broadcasters with a 20 year airing on 89 FM Radio. Deborah Maguire, Brand Blarney introduced Tom and especially highlighted the gift he has given Cork, the Clougheenmilcom Fen, saying “Tom is known locally as The Father of the Fen and we are so lucky to have him and the legacy he created as an ongoing asset to the area that we are able to build a more of an eco-tourism offering in Blarney and surrounds.” Deborah regaled the audience with a very humorous account of being out on the water in a small boat rowed by Tom. Tom in his acceptance mentioned that he is not one “to pass on a good opportunity and took advantage of the machinery working on the N20 to be used for the formation of the Fen”. An important recognition for such a wonderful person whose energy, enthusiasm and ideas are palpable and so inspiring to us all.
Rob Gandola, who presented Tom with the Award is himself an advocate for all wetlands and was high in his praise and admiration for Tom, his lifetime’s work and achievements.
This positive celebratory occasion was enriched by the historic setting of St. Peter’s and further enhanced by Jimmy Crowley’s tunes, the delicious canapes from Good Day Deli and the attendance of so many interested in hearing all the stories of the individuals, groups, businesses and organisations being honoured. Giving great hope that if enough act in this way we can still save our environment, nature and the future for the generations to come.
We are excited to announce our Annual Environmental Awards 2024, which are now open for nominations.
As more groups, companies, public bodies and individuals take action to address the climate and biodiversity crises and sustainability for our communities and society we know there are many projects and actions you are aware of that we may not be. We depend on you the public and our members to submit nominations for the great work being done by an individual, a group, a public body, a business in their commitment to protect the environment, to restore it or to have a greater commitment to sustainability. We are also asking for nomination for action and projects that support our Special Award category, the Circular Economy, by demonstrating how to rethink how we use materials and minimise waste.
Awards are nominated under the four main pillars of the Forum , Public Sector, Business and Commercial Sector , Community & Voluntary Sector and our Outstanding Individual Category. Our Award for Circular Economy is a new addition since 2021 for initiatiatives that demonstrate circular economy principles to rethink how we use materials and minimise waste.
The process is very easy and we can get back to you if we need more information but the main request is to think of the projects and initiatives you are aware of that mean something to you and whom you would like to be recognised and acknowledged by making a submission via this easy to complete NOMINATION FORM.
To inspire you, check out all the amazing Award Winners over the past 20+ years.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given from time to time at the discretion of the Board of The Environmental Forum.
Deadline 31st October 2024 Extended to midnight Sunday 10th November 2024
Annual Environmental Awards 2023
We are excited to announce our Annual Environmental Awards 2023, which are now open for nominations.
We depend on our members and on you the public to submit nominations. Often you will be more aware than us of some great work being done by an individual, a group, a public body, a business in their committment to protect the environment, to restore it or to have a greater commitment to sustainability. Or an initiative that supports our new Award category, the Circular Economy, by demonstrating how to rethink how we use materials and minimise waste.
Awards are nominated under the four main pillars of the Forum , Public Sector, Business and Commercial Sector , Community & Voluntary Sector and our Outstanding Individual Category. Our Award for Circular Economy is a new addition since 2021 for initiatiatives that demonstrate circular economy principles to rethink how we use materials and minimise waste.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given from time to time at the discretion of the CEF Management Committee.
To inspire you, check out all the amazing Award Winners over the past 20+ years.
The process is very easy and we can get back to you if we need more information but the main request is to think of the projects and initiatives you are aware of that mean something to you and whom you would like to be recognised and acknowledged by making a submission via this easy to complete NOMINATION FORM.
The deadline for nominations is extended to Sunday 5th November 2023
Local action to combat climate change and support nature and sustainability spotlight of CEF Awards
The Cork Environmental Forum Annual Environmental Awards Ceremony took place on Thursday 7th December in the lovely venue that is Nano Nagle Place in Cork City. The evening shone a light on some of the wonderful action being taken across all sectors with a strong theme of valuing resources and creating more circularity for food, white goods, buildings and our everyday items. Green spaces evolving from the input of citizens and places taking action to protect and restore biodiversity also featured. The theme of community was strongly evoked throughout the evening in many of the presentations as was leadership, empowerment, hard work and commitment.
The Lord Mayor, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy, who presented the Awards under the Business and Commercial Category picked up on the theme of circularity in heritage and the built environment referencing how Nano Nagle Place itself is one of the best examples of a quality renovation in the City. He noted that Nano Nagle reflected with her work, which spanned across so many of the needs of people and the community, what we know today as the Sustainable Development Goals. He complemented CEF for their own resilience in their efforts for almost 30 years with engaging all sectors in environmental care.
Circular systems for food was highlighted with the Award to My Goodness, introduced by nominator Lisa O’Grady who said “the whole ethos of their vegan food business is about sustainability and working through a holistic approach to producing their food and drinks, from harvesting rain water for their kefir drinks to running the business in a very ethical and fair way.”
Continued awareness and education is very much what Lilian Gleave the Outstanding Individual Award winner is doing, focusing on the need to fix fashion, teach skills such as mending, promote the change from linear to circular systems and learning to value and protect water. Lilian gave an acceptance speech that challenged the audience to not accept the status quo and the need to use our voices and our own power to make more of a difference as we all can.
The Deputy Mayor of the County, who presented the Individual Category, congratulated all of the Awardees whose effort are both inspiring and a source of hope given the level of challenge our communities face and are experiencing. He particularly noted how important the voice of young people such as Lilian Gleave are in ensuring that awareness and understanding continues to grow.
Carbery Housing Association scooped the Community & Voluntary Category Award specifically for its RED WoLF Project. Through this innovative project it was able to retrofit houses, troubled by inefficient heating systems, helping to generate substantial financial savings for tenants but also significantly reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the fight against climate change. Frank O’Connor, Anois, who presented the Award commended the group for this work which additionally is important in helping to keep buildings in use.
Bandon Environmental Action Group received a commendation for the substantial amount of actions and projects they have delivered as part of their Biodiversity Action Plan for the town and surrounds of Bandon.
Pic: Diane Cusack
Richard Leahy, nominator, said that by using different locations throughout the City and availing of the skills of a range of “fixers” “menders” and “repairers” at each meeting Cork Repair Café is helping to lengthen the use and time of products in the economy, creating community and promoting activities and practical actions for sustainability. Jude Sherry, presenter, complimented the group on its efforts in changing the mindset of so many as regards the value of the resources we already own and empowering people to develop repair skills. Kim Eastman in her acceptance gave a strong message that if we have positive and healthy communities we will by default have healthy environments.
Iona Appliances, received a commendation for its long-term efforts to keep white goods in use, nominator Shirley Gallagher said they were focused on repair far in advance of any Directives or legislation from the EU they have been leading and serving the population of Cork for 30 years.
Mick Hannigan, applauded the Public Sector Award winners Marilyn Lennon and Sean Taylor for The Kinship Project, supported by City Council Arts Office and the Creative Ireland Climate Action Fund, which uses creativity and the arts to extend the opportunity for a ground up rethinking of Tramore Valley Park using interventions that engage citizen-led skills and knowledge based public exchanges, artist’s placements and the construction of a KinShip EcoLab based on sustainable construction methods. The Bandon Environmental Action Group received a commendation for the manner in which they inclusively compiled their Biodiversity Action Plan for the town and as Isabelle Sutton nominator said, “It’s not just a plan gathering dust it is being implemented in an impressive way already having delivered on 27 of the 56 actions committed to.”
CEF honoured posthumously Andrew St. Ledger, with a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by CEF Chairperson Isabelle Sutton. Andrew was a sculptor, an educator, a passionate advocator for the environment, most especially the protection and restoration of our native and ancient trees, often referenced as the Warrior of the Woodlands. Bernie Connolly, MC & CEF Coordinator thanked Andrew’s two sisters June St. ledger and Emma Ward and his nephew Shaun Walker for making the long round trip from Dublin to accept the Award. She read some moving memorial words sent from Canada by Diana Beresford-Kroeger whose film Call of the Forest: The Ancient Wisdom of Trees Andrew featured in and said “It behoves us all to continue Andrew’s work and especially to support his dream of restoring the Great Forest of Aughty”. Cork’s own local tree and heritage hero Ted Cook, who set up the Woodland League in 1999 with Andrew, said a few words and read the lovely Wendell Berry poem, “The Peace of Wild Things”.
The COP28 talks got a few mentions throughout the evening and whilst the talks to date do not give much hope, the Awards are an event that energises and creates hope. The Awardees signify just a small portion of all of the nominations received and those a small portion of the very many actions being taken by so many across all of the sectors of society. It is the level of local action ultimately that will determine the future of each place and whether or not our environment can sustain us.
Cork Environmental Forum Awards honours cross sectoral Environmental Action at Annual Awards Ceremony 2022
At a packed ceremony at the Firkin Crane Centre, Shandon, Cork Environmental Forum honoured Award winners across the sectoral pillars of the Forum and it’s recent Circular Economy category. The Awards are a fitting tribute to the people taking positive action and honours the effort, long-term commitment and work being done from recording of birds, to tacking plastic in our ocean, energy efficiency in business, providing parks that deliver multi-functional public space and circular social enterprises.
Deputy Mayor Cllr. Damien Boylan presented the Awards under the Outstanding Individual category, ornithologist Pat Smiddy who has spent a lifetime recording, researching and writing about birdlife in Cork and beyond was the well deserving winner, with a heatfelt introduction by nominator Martha Cashman. Joined by family and friends from East Cork Pat emphasised the danger of accepting the shifting baselines from one generation to the next which can mask the real declines of our bird populations. Niamh Guiry received a commendation in this category, in her introduction Catherine O’Mahony detailed the considerable work Niamh has undertaken as a student in UCC and more recently in the Green Campus in helping to imbed sustainability within the University, the learnings of which she has brough to the process of establishing the Nature Forum.
Kay Quinn, Schull Community College, who was the nominator of the Community & Voluntary Award winner expressed her own love of the ocean and how wonderful it is for their school and 5 other West Cork schools to be able to engage in such a hands on way with Rory Jackson and the Oceans Plastic Project. The students go out to the local beaches, cleaning the litter, collecting and logging it and the students learn about marine waste, pollution and gain a better understanding of coastal biodiversity and marine life. The school has benefited too from a repurposed fibre glass board that is now a table and chairs. Rory in his acceptance highlighted the importance the ocean has played in his own life and that through this project he is able to engender care and protection to this younger generation who are so keen to be involved.
One of the lengthiest applause of the evening was for the Maedhbh Furlong and the participants of the L’Arche Cork, Go Green Project, which provides short courses and workshops on horticulture and sustainability specifically tailored for people with Intellectual Disability focusing on food security, biodiversity and recycling. Deputy Mayor of the County Cllr. Anthony Barry was very impressed by both projects and keen to engage more so in the future.
of L’Arche Cork, Go Green Project with Deputy Mayor of the County, Cllr. Anthony Barry
Darren McAdam O’Connell’s introduction to the Public Sector Award recognised that the City Council may often be judged in a critical way but that when projects are delivered well it is important to acknowledge them. Marina Park Phase 1 is receiving the Award for the way in which accessibility, mobility, space for recreation together with space for nature have been considered and consciously blended in the delivery of this public green space. Liam Casey, Director Parks & Recreation, Cork City Council stressed that this was the result a team effort of many people and that the consultative phases of the project with feedback from many quarters including CEF helped to shape what was implemented. Phase 2 will build on what has been achieved with even more care for nature. Presenter, Anna Hill, River Cycleway Europe, reiterated the importance of the creation of such spaces in the urban environment.
The food business partnership of Denis O’Mullane and Marianne Delaney of Liberty Grill and Café were acknowledged in the Business and Commercial Award Category for their investment to energy efficiency as well as consciously implementing circular economy practices and choosing to omit out of season and/ or environmentally damaging ingredients and products from their menus. Youenn Lowry, SE Systems who contributed to sponsorship of the Awards gave credit to the partnership for showing leadership in the way they are transitioning to low carbon and sustainable businesses.
Introduced by Katie Mann the Circular Economy category winner was Cycle Sense based in Skibbereen. Evolving from a cycle training initiative into a fully fledged social enterprise whose focus is on reuse projects which help to reduce the need for raw materials by reclaiming discarded existing products and giving them an extended life through repair and repurposing that include bicycles, paint and an evolving food area. Jerry Murray, City View Wheels and Award sponsors presented the Award commenting on how important active travel has become again and the transitions being made in all businesses.
Ellie Donovan made the introduction to Meitheal Mara who received a commendation in this category for the many ways they build circularity into everything they do from the building of the traditional Irish Currachs from natural, renewable materials. They create beautiful tote bags from ‘end of roll’ materials from Acme Blinds whilst handles are made from materials salvaged during river clean-ups.
A common thread from all those honoured was working in a collaborative way with others and having a strong conviction of making a broader societal contribution.
The Ceremony was attended by the first recipient of a CEF Award and a founding member of the Forum, Terry O’Regan. Terry referenced the longevity of the Forum and the importance of it retaining the process of working in adherence to Local Agenda 21.
“The Awards are a joyous occasion as we celebrate all these well deserving winners whom we offer our congratulations to and thank for giving hope and showing leadership in their actions and work which make an important impact on addressing our climate and biodiversity challenges” said Bernie Connolly, CEF Coordinator.
CEF wishes to acknowledge the kind sponsorship of the Awards by the SE Systems, City View Wheels, Paul Merriman of Pax and Ask Paul, and our main funders Cork City Council and Cork County Council.
The Awards themselves are beautiful bog oak and bog yew herons by sculptor Kevin Casey with commendations created by Don O’Sullivan & Martha Casj=hamn, More Clay Less Plastic.
The Four Liars Restaurant and My Goodness were thanked for the food. Diane Cusack for the photography and Ann Rea and team at the Firkin Crane for all their assistance & hosting of the event.
We are excited to announce our Annual Environmental Awards 2022, which are now open for nominations.
We depend on our members and on you the public to submit nominations. Often you will be more aware than us of some great work being done by an individual, a group, a public body, a business in their committment to protect the environment, to restore it or to have a greater commitment to sustainability. Or an initiative that supports our new Award category, the Circular Economy, by demonstrating how to rethink how we use materials and minimise waste.
Awards are nominated under the four main pillars of the Forum , Public Sector, Business and Commercial Sector , Community & Voluntary Sector and our Outstanding Individual Category. Our Award for Circular Economy is a new addition since 2021 for initiatiatives that demonstrate circular economy principles to rethink how we use materials and minimise waste.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given from time to time at the discretion of the CEF Management Committee.
To inspire you, check out all the amazing Award Winners over the past 20 years.
The process is very easy and we can get back to you if we need more information but the main request is to think of the projects and initiatives you are aware of that mean something to you and whom you would like to be recognised and acknowledged by making a submission via this easy to complete form .
The deadline for nominations is 11th November 2022 .
Who wouldn’t love one of these beautiful sculptures by artist Kevin Casey?
