Cork County Council's Age Friendly Initiatives Shine at National Awards

Cork County Council's Age Friendly Programme has been shortlisted in two categories at the National Age Friendly Achievement and Recognition Awards 2025, celebrating initiatives that make Ireland a great place to grow old.

The awards ceremony took place today at the Galmont Hotel and Spa in Galway, jointly hosted by Galway City Council and Galway County Council. The national event showcases age-friendly programmes from across Ireland that improve the lives of older people in communities.

Cork County's 'Safe and Connected' event, held earlier this year in Mallow, earned recognition in the Age Friendly Safety and Security category. The initiative brought together emergency services, Allied Irish Bank, and the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme to demonstrate how they can support older people.

The event offered older residents a valuable opportunity to meet their local emergency service personnel in a relaxed, non-emergency setting. Participants also received practical information about the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme and learned how financial institutions can provide support tailored to their needs.

In the Age Friendly Communications category, Cork County's HiDigital programme in Mitchelstown received a shortlisting. Run by the Irish Girl Guides with support from the Vodafone HiDigital project, the initiative sees young guides provide practical technology training to older community members.

The programme helps older adults understand technology, fostering independence and connectivity in an increasingly digital world. To date, more than 60 older adults have completed the training.

Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, Mayor of the County of Cork, said:

"The Annual National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards showcases age-friendly initiatives from around the country that improve the lives of older people in our communities. I want to congratulate the two Cork County projects that were shortlisted, as well as all the winners."

Cork County Council also extended congratulations to Cork City Council, who won the Age Friendly Environment Award for their Energy Cloud project. The innovative scheme provides free hot water to older people in the city using surplus wind energy.

In a statement, Cork County Council offered heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed to both shortlisted projects, noting that their commitment demonstrates what can be achieved through collaborative working to improve the lives of older people.