The Southern Star is proud to announce an exciting new awards programme designed to recognise people across West Cork who often go 'under the radar'.

People who we feel deserve acknowledgment for the voluntary work, time, passion, energy and care they give to help others and support their local communities.

These awards will celebrate local people who do extraordinary and selfless volunteering... and will celebrate the very best of life in West Cork!

The Southern Star invites you, our readers, to join with us to say thank you!

How will these awards work?

For our inaugural year, there are four categories that you can nominate a person, people or group as a potential recipient.

In addition the Southern Star news team will also identify potential recipients.

All submissions/potential recipients will be carefully, and sensitively assessed by the Southern Star team and three 'recipients' chosen in each category.

If your nomination becomes a potential recipient, we will contact you first as the nominator for more information.

CATEGORIES

Volunteers: So many of our local groups, clubs and organisations would not be able to function without the generous work of volunteers People who give their time, energy and goodwill, often behind the scenes, to help make things happen. And they don't usually expect anything in return Do you know of someone who is deserving of this award? If you do then why not nominate them today?

Carers: A role that so often goes unrecognised but without the work, dedication, care and love that these exceptional people bring our society would not function and our healthcare system would be under even greater pressure. Perhaps it's a family member or someone you know who goes above and beyond the call of duty and you would like to see them receive recognition for their extraordinary devotion.

Community Groups: This award can be given to three or more people who come together as a group or organisation to make a difference in their locality and to local people's lives. Often involving people who voluntarily give up their time, expertise and sometimes expenses to help make their community a better place in one way or another. Nominate a Community Group you know and give them an accolade they deserve!

Young People: This category is open to anyone aged 18 or under. There are young people in our communities who do remarkable and exceptional things to help others. It may have been a 'one off' thing, for example rescuing someone in trouble or a big fundraising effort or it could be an ongoing service they provide, for example caring for a loved one or giving up their time to help others in their community in whatever capacity on a regular basis. Let's celebrate West Cork's amazing young people. Nominate someone you know today.

NOMINATE AT SOUTHERNSTAR.IE/COMMUNITYAWARDS

Community Awards 'Afternoon Tea Event' an opportunity to celebrate together Enjoying a 'cup of tea' with others is one of the things that connects people and communities.

Our Community Awards recipients will be invited to a special, informal and feel-good 'Afternoon Tea' get-together at a local venue (tbc) along with their guests (a family member/friend).

At the Afternoon Tea gathering we'll have a cuppa and a chat, say a few words about each of our recipients and make a presentation to them. We're looking forward to a lovely get-together.

A special 'West Cork Community Awards' supplement will be published inside the Southern Star newspaper and also on southernstar.ie including a profile and photograph of each of our amazing award recipients.

NOMINATE AT SOUTHERNSTAR.IE/COMMUNITYAWARDS