Nominations are being invited for the Mayor's Awards 2007, which will again acknowledge outstanding people and organisations who, through their commitment to participating in unpaid community and voluntary activities, have had a significant impact on the quality of life of their communities in Galway.

At the launch of The Mayors Awards for 2007 at City Hall were Cllr Daniel Callinan, Galway City Mayor Tom Costello, Sean Boyle of Ulster Bank and City Manager Joe MacGrath. Photo: Aengus McMahon

Nominations are invited from people resident in Galway city for individuals or organisations who are involved in voluntary activity which takes place in the city. There are six different categories in the awards.

The 'arts, culture, and cursaí Gaeilge' category recognises the contribution of volunteers to the continuing development of Galway as a city that places the arts, culture and the Irish language at the heart of its existence. Previous winners of this award include St Patrick's Brass Band and Renmore Pantomime and Mark Keane for his work with choral groups in the city.

The award for 'environmental enhancement, conservation and heritage' celebrates individuals and groups who take pride in their environment, enhancing their local areas and conserving the natural and built heritage of the city. Previous winners include An Taisce Galway, Galway Civic Trust and local activists like Michael Hosty from Cruachán Park who undertakes local clean-ups, neighbourhood and residents groups.

The 'Neighbourhood & Residents Groups' award looks at the way community life in the city is enhanced by the work, which individuals, groups and associations undertake across a range of activities in local areas, including support for older neighbours, organising children's events etc. Previous winners include Mervue Senior Citizens Committee and Lesley Bohan for her work with local committees and festivals.

The 'social and community support' award covers a broad spectrum of activity from work with people with disabilities, older people, social care and safety. Previous winners include Galway Sub Aqua Club, Galway Centre for Independent Living and individuals such as Brendan Smith for his work in a number of areas and Peadar Canavan for his work with the Inshore Lifeboat.

There is also a 'sports, recreation, children and youth' award, for people who give of their time to support participation in sport and other recreation activities by adults and children across the city. Previous winners under this category include Michael 'Chick' Gillen and Michael 'Little Sport' Walsh and people like Ciar?n Delaney for his work with Knocknacarra Hockey Club.

The 'young volunteer of the year' award celebrates and acknowledges the work done by people under the age of 25 as volunteers with a variety of groups, from youth organisations to support groups to representative bodies.

The judging panel will also decide on a seventh award, The Ulster Bank Volunteer of the Year, who must be one of those nominated and who may or may not be the winner of one of the other awards. Those individuals and groups who received awards for 2006 may not be nominated again this year.

There will be a Galway Crystal trophy and a cheque for €700 for each winner. Each of the nominees will receive a certificate from the Mayor of Galway City at the Awards Ceremony next year.

Nominators are asked to complete a form, outlining the nominee's activities and their achievements and contributions in these activities; the difference the nominee has made in the community; and the reasons why the nominee deserves the award.

A judging panel will review the nominations and make their decisions based on the contents of nomination forms submitted.

The closing date for nominations is 4pm on Monday 31 December. The awards will be presented in The Black Box Theatre on Tuesday 22 January next year.

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