Action, impact and legacy reflected by 2025 Environmental Award Winners
The Environmental Forum’s Annual Awards Ceremony took place on 4 December at St. Peter’s Cork. At this very well-attended event, awards were presented across its four sectoral pillars, the Circular Economy special award category and, this year, the Forum posthumously honoured one of its own members, Anna Aherne, for her decades-long work in the care and protection of the environment with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Oliver Moran, presented the Outstanding Individual Award category, saying how important it is to honour all of the evening’s awardees for their positive contribution to the environment and a more sustainable future. Dr Sarah Miller, the recipient of the award, was introduced by the Rediscovery Centre’s CEO, Claire Downey, who spoke of Sarah’s vision and unique achievements that have advanced the circular economy in Ireland, most especially her pioneering redevelopment and extraordinary growth of the Rediscovery Centre as Ireland’s National Centre for the Circular Economy and Circular.ie.
Dolf D’hondt received a commendation for his commitment and work on the protection of the marine environment, most particularly in Bantry Bay. Dolf was unable to attend and Mark McLean of Blue Hare Films accepted the award on his behalf.
GAP Ireland’s Nature Explorers for Schools Programme was the well-deserving recipient of the Community & Voluntary Sector Award. Emer Savage, Education Coordinator, stressed the joy and wonder awakened in children by the programme, which helps to reconnect them with the natural world and equips them with the skills, curiosity and confidence to protect it. Mayor of the County, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, presented the award and acknowledged the importance of recognising the efforts of all those honoured by this year’s awards. She praised the programme for its inclusive focus and replicability.
Common Knowledge Centre’s Queer Sheds Network received a commendation in this category for promoting environmentalism, teaching people traditional skills and creating a social club for queer people. In an energising moment, Theo Dillon asked everyone to stand and pledge to use their skills to best effect in 2026.
Lauren Minion from Leave No Trace Ireland introduced the Deloitte Hot Spot Peatland Restoration Project at Ballaghurt Bog, County Offaly, which secured the Business & Commercial Sector Award. This innovative Hot Spot restoration initiative is helping to rehabilitate a post-harvested peatland through hands-on restoration, community education and corporate volunteer engagement. Fiona O’Donovan, Cork Chamber Public Affairs Officer, presented the award and highlighted the importance of businesses engaging in activities that support carbon reduction while strengthening partnerships across sectors.
Maggie McColgan of StreamScapes introduced Public Sector Award winner John O’Connor of Kerry County Council. John has worked to embed environmental protection and long-term sustainability into rural infrastructure planning, especially through a collaborative model that engages communities and agencies to support the use of integrated constructed wetlands serving smaller villages in the county and capable of being replicated elsewhere. Emma Armshaw of Sustainable Water Network presented the award and commended John and Kerry County Council for taking this nature-based approach to water management and protecting the natural environment.
The Circular Economy Award for 2025 went to Cork Community Bikes, a project with decades of commitment to repair and reuse. Introducing the project, James O’Donovan highlighted its long-term work sharing knowledge, transferring bike repair skills and helping to transform how we consume in a socially inclusive manner—a practical contribution to circularity and the community. Matt Jones emphasised the importance of the volunteers who make the project viable and successful, while Peter Dennehy, one of those volunteers, spoke passionately about how much he values being part of the project and the reward it gives him. Presenter Pauline McDonogh, Circular Economy Coordinator with the Southern Waste Region, said that the diversity of action and impact seen during the evening demonstrated a groundswell of change and interest in protecting the environment, reflecting wider activity across the country.
The final presentation of the evening was made by Chairperson of The Environmental Forum, Isabelle Sutton, to Joe Aherne: the Lifetime Achievement Award, sadly presented posthumously to dedicated long-term member Anna Aherne, who recently passed away. Bernie Connolly, TEF Coordinator, spoke of Anna’s active commitment to environmental care and protection and how she was a great supporter not only of the Forum but of many other environmentally focused groups. It was wonderful that her family and so many friends and fellow activists were present to share in paying tribute to her immense contribution. Despite the overwhelming sorrow at her recent passing, her husband Joe gave a lovely acceptance speech tinged with humour. He said that in the preceding weeks he had discovered that Anna was known as the “Hedge Lady” in certain quarters—a fitting title that would have pleased her, as she was a fierce defender of hedgerows.
The legacy created by many of the awardees, and left to inspire and motivate others, was very evident: from Dr Sarah Miller, who this year stepped down from her leadership role at the Rediscovery Centre, to John O’Connor, soon to retire but with a strong desire to leave a better legacy for communities, and Anna Aherne, who leaves a treasured legacy of what it is to be a quiet but determined activist. As Joe said, she was “a pebble that created many ripples”, which will continue to grow.
“Our Awards provide an opportunity to reflect and shine a light on the wonderful activism, commitment and work being done across the sectors. The recipients for 2025 are a snapshot of all of the dedication and efforts being made by so many throughout the country.”
Isabelle Sutton, Chairperson
As the year comes to a close, this event reminds us of the positive efforts of so many across all sectors to protect and improve our environment and the communities we live in. It inspires and reignites our spirits and nourishes our core for the continuing work that is needed in 2026.
More moments from the 2025 Awards
Photos from the Award Ceremony by Diane Cusack.