Marian Maguire, chairperson of the Glenravel & District Community & Residents Association, won the Community Champion award and a £500 prize in the Housing Executive’s Rural Community Awards. The ceremony took place at the Seamus Heaney Centre in Bellaghy.

Maguire has worked in the Glenravel area of County Antrim for more than 20 years. Her efforts started with a lunch club for elderly and vulnerable residents. The association formed in 2010 and now aids people in Clough, Martinstown, Cargan, and Newtowncrommelin.

Projects under her leadership include a community garden, beekeeping efforts, summer schemes, feasibility funding for a new community centre, and 200-year celebrations for Newtowncrommelin. The association partners with the Housing Executive on these initiatives.

Maguire supports residents facing homelessness, illness, unemployment, or family difficulties at the Community Hub. Carolyn Crawford, Housing Executive Mid and East Antrim Area Manager, stated that Maguire exemplifies a community champion.

Cormac Duffin, a committee member of the Glenravel & District Community & Residents Association, said Maguire leads support for people of all ages across those rural areas. He called her the heart of the Community Hub and noted her compassion in helping those in need.