YOur 2025 Finalists
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
PAULA HANNAN
Clinical Mental Health Nurse (SVH) and Volunteer - Paula has worked at St Vincent hospital mental health service for over a decade. Paula has provided care, support and time to those most disadvantaged and vulnerable within Sydney community.Paula has acted a bridge within the health care system both through her work and volunteering by building rapport and trust with those may not otherwise access mental health care.
DAVID ECCLES & Tadhg Kennelly
Co- Founders of WNOW - David and Tadhg have created a community where men are proud to be men; comfortable to take their ‘armour’ off and be their authentic selves, feeling supported and safe in a community of like-minded men. A community where men explore in a fun way what it means to be a better man, tackling challenges together and focusing on improving their mental, physical, and emotional health to be the best role model they can be for themselves and all those around them.
WARReN DOYLE
Richmond Lions Club - Warren Doyle is a dedicated and selfless individual whose volunteer work has left a mark on the Richmond community and beyond. He is also a dedicated volunteer for Hope4U Foundation, a suicide prevention charity that provides critical support to individuals in crisis. Through his work with Hope4U, Warren has helped raise awareness about mental health issues, connecting those in need with life-saving resources and support networks. His compassion and determination to make a difference in people’s lives highlight his deep sense of responsibility to his community.
SPORT
CAROLINE CRILLY
Treasurer - Cormac McAnallens GAC- Caroline's impact goes beyond her official roles. She is a dedicated mentor to younger club members, providing guidance, support, and encouragement. Her willingness to share her knowledge and experience has helped nurture the next generation of Gaelic players and leaders. She invests time in helping people improve their skills and always has a positive word for those who are struggling.
Cóilin DALY
Chairperson of the NSW Gaelic Athletic Association - Under Coilin’s stewardship the NSW GAA has grown from strength to strength, each year the membership increased, to unprecedented numbers totaling 1500 at present. There are nine Clubs in total, with 39 teams playing ladies’ football, Camogie, men’s football, and hurling. While the amalgamation of the 3 is a work in progress for GAA, LGFA, and Camogie in Ireland-in Sydney this works seamlessly with Coilin overseeing 18 games, across three pitches each Sunday.
RYAN GUILFOYLE
Founder - Tribal Run Club - Ryan founded the Trible Run Club during COVID in Centennial Park, today, the club welcomes between 600 and 1,000 people every Wednesday night for 3km, 5km, or 8km runs. Ryan does it all for free, driven by his love for the sport and the community. Known for his warm, down-to-earth nature, Ryan makes time for everyone—whether it’s their first run or they’re seasoned athletes—treating all with equal encouragement and respect.
CUlture
COMHALTAS
Comhaltas Sydney operates as a vibrant, non-profit cultural movement among hundreds of international branches. Lead by a dedicated group of volunteer committee members - they have dedicated considerable time and effort, continuing their involvement thanks to their passion and commitment to Irish culture.
Dr. Enda Murray
Dr. Enda Murray is an award-winning filmmaker and educator. His body of creative and academic work spans his interest in culture, education and social change. Enda, originally from Drogheda, founder and creative director of the Irish Australian Film Festival. The Irish Film Festival is Australia’s finest source of innovative, quality film that showcases the culture, traditions, history and character of Ireland and the Irish people.
Maria Maher Astley
Principal & Founder, Penrith Gaels Maher Lenihan Irish Dance - Maria Maher-Astley has been fostering a love of Irish culture through dance in western Sydney for over 30 years. She founded the Maher School of Irish Dance in 1994 and has taught hundreds (possibly thousands??) of children the beautiful art of Irish dance. Maria has trained many NSW State Champions and Australian National Champions in both solo and ceili dancing, and she has also produced countless World Qualifiers — with many recalling and placing at the World Championships.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
CATHAL LYNCH
Cathal is an invaluable asset to the Irish community and the Irish Support Agency. He consistently goes above and beyond, offering expert legal and visa guidance with genuine compassion. Recently, he assisted the parents of a seriously injured young Irish citizen in Australia, handling their visa matters pro bono to ease both administrative and financial stress. Cathal’s unwavering commitment, calm presence, and readiness to help—no matter how busy he is—make him a trusted and deeply appreciated supporter of both clients and the ISA team.
SANDRA ROLSTON & Kathy McClelland
For the past 14 years, Sandra and Kathy have been the beating heart of the Irish Australian Club of Wollongong. Together, they have created a vibrant community of events, outreach programs and fundraising initiatives, bringing much needed support and care to the Illawarra Region.
VES CAMPION
AV Support for multiple Irish Community Groups in NSW - for several years, Ves has been involved in multiple Irish community groups - assisting them with their AV needs including videography. Ves does all of this out of the kindness of his heart, and never seeks recognition or reward.
COMMUNITY CHAmpion - INDIVIDUAL
ALEXANDRA GRACE
Alexandra founded Irish Family Events 4 years ago, and since then she has provided phenomenal dedication to the Irish community, working enormous hours (voluntarily) to connect young families through fun cultural events that support other Irish businesses in the process. She works tirelessly on creating these large-scale events, often single-handedly through a lack of volunteer support. Plus all the marketing, admin, supplier management, logistics, decor, financing etc. It’s a thankless job that she continues to do because of its importance. There are always between 300-500 coming to these community events in the east showing the sheer demand for the work she’s doing in the community. She does this all while raising 2 young kids.
RACHEL RUSHE
For the past three years, Rachel has single-handedly run Lost and Found in Sydney — a grassroots initiative that has become a vital thread in the fabric of the Irish and wider diaspora community. Her passion and dedication are nothing short of extraordinary.
In her own time and with no financial gain, Rachel has tirelessly organised countless community-focused events. Each event is thoughtfully designed to bring people together, to create meaningful connections, and most importantly, to ensure that no one in the diaspora feels isolated or forgotten.
SIOBHAN LAVIN
Jack Murphy Memorial Society - Siobhan has made outstanding efforts in promoting Irish culture and uniting the Irish community throughout Newcastle and the Hunter region. Her dedication has not only helped preserve Irish heritage but has also created a sense of belonging and support for many Irish families who have settled outside the larger hubs like Sydney.
COMMUNITY CHAmpion - group
SYDNEY ST. PATRick’s day organisation
SSPD are a vibrant thriving community group that regenerates year-in, year-out with committed volunteers; these volunteers ensure that the Irish Australian community have an annual Festival honouring our Irish Culture & the legacy of our Patron Saint, Patrick. SSPD has been in operation since the 1979 as an Organisation in its own right.
CLUB HIBERNIA
Club Hibernia was founded by a small group of Irish professionals working in the construction, infrastructure, and property sectors. Entirely volunteer-led and not-for-profit, the committee’s core role is to provide a welcoming, valuable, and socially impactful forum where industry professionals can connect, support one another, and give back to the broader community.