Call goes out for Waterford groups to enter National Heritage Week Awards

Waterford communities are being urged to put themselves forward for the 2025 National Heritage Week Awards, with nominations now officially open.

The Heritage Council confirmed this week that the awards will once again celebrate the best projects and events that took place during Heritage Week, with a County Award presented to the standout entry in Waterford.

This year's Heritage Week was the biggest yet, with over 2,500 events nationwide and 68 hosted across Co Waterford. From village get-togethers to county-wide projects, organisers say the imagination and commitment shown locally was "remarkable."

Last year's Waterford winner was Cheekpoint – A Community of the Tides, run by the Tides & Tales Maritime Community Project.

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Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said the awards are about recognising the people who keep heritage alive: "Year after year, we are inspired by the creativity, generosity and dedication shown by organisers across the country.

"These Awards allow us to celebrate that spirit and to highlight the people and projects that inspire future generations to become custodians of our shared heritage."

Waterford City and County Council's Heritage Officer, Bernadette Guest, echoed the call: "Heritage Week in Waterford once again showed the strong connection that communities have with their local heritage. The National Heritage Week Awards are not only about recognising excellence, but also about celebrating the pride and sense of place that heritage brings to people.

"I would encourage groups and individuals to make a nomination so that the work done in Waterford can be shared and acknowledged at a national level."#

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As well as the County Award, national categories include the Water Heritage Award, Wild Child Event Award, Inclusive Heritage Award, Irish Language Award, and the prestigious Heritage Hero Award - which honours individuals who have made an outstanding, long-term contribution.

Nominations close at midnight on Thursday, September 11, with winners announced at the National Heritage Week Awards in Dublin on October 17. Full details and entry forms are available at heritageweek.ie/awards.