Inishowen Co-Op picked up the accolade for “Excellence in Community Outreach” accolade at the 2024 Octabuild Awards, held this week at the Mansion House in Dublin.
This prestigious national recognition highlights the Co-Op’s outstanding commitment to community support and development across the Inishowen region.
Chairman of Inishowen Co-Op John Ruddy, expressed his delight in receiving the award, commending the board and the entire team for their dedication to upholding the cooperative ethos. “Building on community partnerships is at the forefront of what we do. This award reflects our commitment to supporting the tight-knit community of Inishowen, providing employment, economic growth, and opportunities while always prioritizing profit with a purpose, which is the essence of cooperative movements worldwide,” he stated.
Declan Conlon, Octabuild Chairperson (right) with Gareth Whitmore, Inishowen Co-Op, Donegal (left) at the Octabuild Awards.
Photo : Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography
Inishowen Co-Op’s community support spans numerous impactful projects and initiatives, including:
Sponsorship of Spraoi Agus Sport: The Co-Op supported this award-winning social enterprise to deliver a Digital Creative Lab that reached 2,228 individuals. The initiative took place in 17 schools across Inishowen and hosted after-school workshops, Easter, Summer, and Halloween camps, and community events in Clonmany, Carn, and Moville.
Provision of Life-Saving Defibrillators: Inishowen Co-Op sponsored two defibrillators for the community and provided First Aid Responder training to staff and local residents. This initiative is a life-saving contribution that ensures community wellbeing.
Support for Defective Blocks Community: The Co-Op hosts an annual home build event with expert guest speakers offering impartial advice and support for families affected by defective concrete blocks.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Programmes: In partnership with the Inishowen Development Partnership, the Co-Op supported pilot programmes across primary and secondary schools in the area, aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of children impacted by defective housing.
Inishowen Co-Op also regularly collaborates with local non-profit organizations and voluntary groups, providing them a platform to raise funds and share their message, thus ensuring widespread community impact.
Inishowen Co-Op wish to thank everyone for their support in helping them achieve this national award and bring it home to Donegal.
Marketing Manager Lizzie Kelly shared her joy about the award, saying, “This recognition is a testament to all the team in Inishowen Co-Op and the value we place on building partnerships. Supporting the community is vital to our day to day communication and marketing plans.”
The 2024 Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards gala, hosted by Lucy Kennedy, took place on Thursday in the iconic Round Room at the Mansion House, with entertainment provided by award-winning comedian Neil Delamere.
It was attended by over 250 guests including shortlisted merchants and representatives of the builders merchant trade from across the country. The event was hosted by the eight Octabuild members, Dulux, Etex, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation and Wavin.
Guest of honour was Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, TD.
Octabuild Chairperson, Declan Conlon said: “It’s important for Octabuild that the Awards highlight the excellence of Irish builders merchants to the building and construction industry amidst its ever-changing landscape. Congratulations to all finalists and winners from all over the country who represented absolute excellence in the industry.”
Congratulating all the winners the Tánaiste said: “I would like to congratulate all the finalists and winners at this year’s awards. I want to commend the organisers and Octabuild Chairperson, Declan Conlon for such a great event. These are a unique set of awards designed to promote excellence within the Irish builders merchants industry across the island and highlight the importance of the industry to the wider construction and building sector.”
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