Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, hosted the Chairperson’s Civic Awards 2026 on Friday 20 February at the Millbrook Lodge Hotel in Ballynahinch. The event, presented by BBC Radio Ulster’s Connor Phillips, honoured individuals and groups for contributions in volunteering, community pride, fundraising, arts, culture and heritage, youth leadership, and human endeavour.

The ceremony followed a public nominations campaign and included a drinks reception, awards announcement, and dinner. Winners were named across seven categories.

Cian McEvoy from Castlewellan received the Chairperson’s Special Award. McEvoy, born with a rare congenital heart condition, won gold at the 2025 WUKF European Championship.

Other winners included: Arts, Culture and Heritage Award to Iúr Cinn Fleadh festival in Newry; Community Pride Award to Stephen Harris of Downpatrick Community Allotments; Fundraising Award to Gervase McCartan from Newry, who raised over £1.25 million for cancer research; Human Endeavour Award to staff at Cuan Court Children’s Home in Downpatrick; Volunteering Award to Ita Gibney of Newtownhamilton Community Centre; and Youth Impact Award to Rachel Carvill from Mayobridge.

Councillor Campbell stated the awards recognise extraordinary contributions to district life. A charity raffle supported The Laurence Trust and Head Injury Support. Highlights will be shared on council social media with #CelebratingYOU.