Feis Dhoire Cholmcille received the Irish arts festival category award from SME Northern Ireland Enterprise. The award recognises contributions to society in Northern Ireland across sectors including small to medium enterprises.

Ursula Clifford, chair of Feis Dhoire Cholmcille, stated the win honours the committee and volunteer workers who dedicate time year-round. The feis occurs mainly during Easter week, with organisation ongoing throughout the year to enhance experiences for competitors and audiences.

Clifford noted a singing competition on works by Irish composers from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries drew top singers from academies and counties across Ireland. Competitor numbers exceeded 4,000 in the last three years, matching levels from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

The feis, operating since 1922, provides over 250 competitions in seven disciplines: singing, Irish language, history, traditional Irish music, classical music, Irish dancing, and speech and drama.

This year's choral competitions occur on March 31 at Ardnashee School and College. Other competitions run from April 7 to April 10 at St. Columb’s Hall and The Playhouse on Artillery Street.

Aisling Bonner, secretary of Derry Feis, said the registered charity and not-for-profit organisation values recognition alongside businesses. The feis has increased social media use for promotion and communication with teachers and competitors.

Other local winners included Digital Derry for most creative web design firm for 2025 and Desmond Motors for best new and pre-owned car dealership. Kaven Cooper, awards coordinator, expressed pleasure in highlighting the winners' innovation and dedication.