The Clean Coasts’ Ocean Hero Awards 2024 took place on the 27th of November.
Click the link below for information on our amazing shortlist and winners for 2024.
Clean Coasts asked the public to nominate volunteers who they believe have made an outstanding contribution to Ireland’s coastal environment for our Ocean Hero Awards.
We are really looking forward to this year’s awards ceremony! If you nominated an Ocean Hero, check out the 2024 shortlist through the link below!
What are the Ocean Hero Awards?
The Clean Coasts’ Ocean Hero Awards are about honouring the invaluable contribution Clean Coasts volunteers, groups and communities have made towards conserving our spectacular coastline.
The awards, originally called the ‘Clean Coasts’ Merit Awards’, were conceived in 2006, consisting then of only one category, ‘The Clean Coasts’ Group of the Year’. Since then the Clean Coasts’ programme has grown to engage over 2,000 Clean Coasts groups and 40,000 volunteers, becoming embedded in many coastal communities nationwide.
For the past 20 years, Clean Coasts has grown from strength to strength expanding and creating campaigns and initiatives aimed at enjoying, protecting and celebrating the beauty of our coast. None of that would be possible without the groups and volunteers all across Ireland that have helped make and grow the programme into what it is today, and for that, we thank you.
Clean Coasts are asking the public to nominate the Clean Coasts groups and volunteers who they believe have made an outstanding contribution to Ireland’s coastal environment.
We ask you to share your stories, highlight your community leaders, celebrate the worker bees, and all those who have been fantastic in driving forward the efforts of your Clean Coasts group this year.
We can’t wait to pay tribute to our Ocean Heroes at our award ceremony soon!
Ocean Hero Awards 2024 – Categories*
- Group of the Year Award
This award recognises the Clean Coasts group who have made the most significant contribution to our coastline during 2023. We invite you to nominate any Clean Coasts group you work with or know of that have contributed a huge amount to the coastline and/or community in recent years. Clean Coasts groups’ work varies a huge degree throughout the country, so we would love to hear about what the group you nominate focus on and any achievements or work they have completed over the past year.
- Individual of the Year Award
This award acknowledges those individuals who initiate change and inspire others to do more to protect and conserve their coastline. Clean Coasts’ Individual of the year can be leaders within Clean Coasts groups, leaders in community, individuals who work alone or in small groups and inspire others.
- Youth of the Year Award
This award honours our younger Clean Coasts volunteers. We would love to hear about individual youths or young groups that have joined or set up your local Clean Coasts group or have linked in with Clean Coasts programmes over the past year. Nominations for Youth of the Year award can be made for an individual, Clean Coasts group, youth group, scouts’ groups, or school groups etc., who have worked through Clean Coasts over the past year and have gone above and beyond to clean our shorelines and raise awareness about the issues facing it.
- Campaigner of the Year Award
The Campaigner of the Year Award is an award given to dedicated groups that demonstrates outstanding commitment and innovation in supporting existing Clean Coasts Campaigns as well as helping harness new campaigns and initiatives based on concerns in their area or nationwide, celebrating and honour individuals or groups who have made a significant impact on coastal conservation and environmental stewardship.
- Event of the Year Award
This category recognises noteworthy events organised by Clean Coasts groups that have made a significant positive impact on coastal environments and community education, honouring the dedication, creativity, and efforts of Clean Coasts groups in organising events that contribute to the protection and enhancement of our coastlines. These could be clean-up event, special talks, workshops or education seminars.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award
This award celebrates and acknowledges the Clean Coasts groups in Ireland that actively embrace and promote diversity among their members, making clean-up efforts more inclusive and representative of the diverse communities across the country. This award category is designed to shine a spotlight on those actively fostering a sense of equality, diversity, and inclusion within their organization, ensuring no one is left out. Whether it’s through engaging people from various cultural backgrounds, age groups, abilities, or socioeconomic statuses, these groups make a conscious effort to build bridges and unite people for a common cause: safeguarding our precious coastal environments.
*All nominees should be registered with the Clean Coasts programme for at least the past 6 months.
Ocean Hero 2024 Winners and Shortlist
Group of the Year
Spanish Point Community Group – Winners
Spanish Point Community Group were named joint winners in the 2024 Group of the Year Category. This year the group has been very active undertaking a number of projects to help preserve and protect their little bit of coastline. These include efforts to achieve dune stabilisation and to prevent further damage by planting marram grass and installing fencing and geo bags.
They also worked alongside a marine robotic research group from UL who have created an environmental app named “Bluepoint” to help locate marine litter and to put any plastics found to good use. The group also has championed environmental awareness and education to the local community through a number of events, workshops and talks and displays of noticeboards in the area.
Enniscrone Clean Coasts Group – Winners
Enniscrone Clean Coasts is part of Enniscrone Tidy Towns and they joint winners in the 2024 Group of the Year category. 2024 has been a great year getting their Blue Flag reinstated, and their Green Flag too! As well as participating in the Clean Coast Big Beach Clean, the group enlisted group enlisted the help of various local sports clubs, social and ethnic groups to come out for beach cleans every Sunday morning from June through to September. With people of all ages taking part, their goal is to help keep our beaches clean and to instil a more widespread awareness of the need to care for our beach environment. To inform the public of the local biodiversity the group also installed a number of nature panels displayed along the promenade depicting the many birds, insects, mammals and plants dependent on our natural beach habitats.
Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group
Tomhaggard Clean Coasts were shortlisted in the Group of the Year Category for 2024. The group was established in April 2021 with a small group of family and friends, and has grown to 73 members in 2024, about half of whom are actively involved in beach cleaning. Others support the group in a myriad of ways. The group has adopted a 25km stretch of the South Wexford coastline from Carnesore to Cullenstown, which represents 10% of the coastline of County Wexford. To date for 2024, the group has removed over 10 tonnes of waste from our beaches. The group has also established a unit at Kilmore Quay Harbour where found fishing items are placed for reuse. In 2024 the group took on a biodiversity project, using the flagship species, Sea Turtles, to explain the dangers posed by waste in the ocean to marine life.
Maharees Heritage and Conservation
Maharees Heritage and Conservation Group were shortlisted in the Group of the Year Category. The Maharees Group have a busy yearly timetable in addition to their beach cleans with a full summer programme, a mix of beach cleans, dune protection work, biodiversity talks, and fundraising activities. The group was started in 2016 in response to a crisis faced by the community. Over the winter of 2015-16, a series of Atlantic storms blew large drifts of sand onto the only access road to the main residential areas of the Maharees tombolo. Their main aim is sand dune protection but their love of the beaches in their location leads them to run numerous beach cleans throughout the year.
Friends of Rossnowlagh Clean Coasts Group
Friends of Rossnowlagh were shortlisted for Group of the Year 2024. The group began in 2016 with a simple goal: to protect the natural beauty of Rossnowlagh Beach, Co. Donegal. The group started by tackling litter issues and, in 2018, joined Clean Coasts to expand their efforts. Today, their mission is to preserve and enhance Rossnowlagh’s environment, creating a place everyone can enjoy now and for generations to come. This year the group has started a farmer’s market with local community, held a sand sculpture competition, art competition for sand dune protection, currently are planning a community garden,participated in the Bin Your Butt campaign, engaged in a 2MBC event with Failte Ireland, and have been a part of sand dune training on their beach. This group has a amazing environmental awareness, which they are promoting consistently and are always trying to do any activity in a way that is as environmentally sound as possible.
Individual of the Year
Anne Marie Kirwan – Winner
Anne Marie Kirwan was named the winner in the 2024 Individual of the Year category for her continued dedication to protect and preserve the coast in her volunteering with Tomhaggard Clean Coasts. Anne Marie is described as an incredible force of nature and was one of the founding members of TCC. Her commitment to the group and energy for the work she does, couple perfectly with her gentle manner and inclusive nature. Anne Marie said, “I love spending time beach cleaning, it gives me a sense of peace and purpose. It is a hands-on, enjoyable way to make a difference in my local area. I never cease to be amazed by the collective effort of the group at the end of a beach clean up, and have really come to enjoy the camaraderie of the group. It is a joy to meet other people who share my enthusiasm for improving our coastline and coastal habitats.”
Michael Breen
Michael was shortlisted in the Individual of the Year category for his work as one of the main drivers of the Clean Coasts group in in Enniscrone. He works tirelessly for the group to improve both the built and natural heritage of the area. He has spoken many times at Clean Coasts events and is always very obliging with asked. He has also worked with Sligo County Council on dune conservation and has collaborated on a variety of initiatives engaging with local groups in the area. Such as working with local artists groups on promoting the coasts though their work. He has encouraged and has engaged local sports clubs, businesses, social groups and organisations to take part in beach cleans and to instil a more widespread awareness of the need to care for our local beach and surrounding environment.
Proinsias O’ Tuama
Proinsias O Tuama was shortlisted for Individual of the Year 2024 and has been involved with Clean Coasts since 2015. He founded Clean Coasts Ballynamona which is part of the Sea and Land Trust and he is a teacher with St Colman’s College who are shortlisted for Youth of the Year and the force behind the Big Little Beach Clean which is shortlisted for Event Of The Year. Clean Coasts Ballynamona clean up an impressive 80km of coastline, mainly between Midelton and Youghal but also in and around Cork Harbour. As usual 2024 was a busy year doing monthly beachcleans, fundraising, beach cleaning with local businesses.
Proinsias stated that some of the years highlights was getting almost 800 kids out to the coast this year for the Big Little Beach Clean. Clean Coasts were there for the events doing our Think Before You Flush workshops. There is ongoing training and building up the hours on the boat, a purchase to allow the group to reach litter black spots they cant reach by land. Excitingly a new street cleaning machine has been purchased to tackle cigarette butts, a damaging and plentiful source of litter. Proinsias’s motivations were that local beaches needed attention and something he loves is meeting new people and making a positive difference, especially in his role as an educator.
Donal McGuirk
Peter O’Donnell
Youth of the Year
Navan National Learning Network – Winner
West Coast Surf Club
The West Coast Surf Club, located in Lahinch, Co. Clare, was shortlisted in the Youth of the Year category. This group is dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community through a variety of programmes, including the Boardriders programme, Inclusion Sessions, and Mna na Tonnta. As part of their commitment to environmental stewardship, they actively integrate initiatives like the 2-Minute Beach Clean and host fortnightly beach clean events. These activities provide our young members with the opportunity to develop positive habits around plastic waste management and raise awareness about ocean litter.
St Colman’s College
1st Port Sea Scouts
The 1st Port of Dublin Sea Scouts were shortlisted for the Youth of the Year Category for their contribution and dedication to their local waterways in 2024. The group had a lot of new members this year and getting them involved in and becoming engaged with all of their activities throughout the year was a big highlight. In 2024, 1st Port Sea Scouts carried out a larger number of their independent beach cleans, combining shore safari and marine science aspects alongside clean-ups, to emphasise the interconnectedness of the marine ecosystem. Environmental stewardship is key to the group’s youth work methodology and always has been, so it was a natural thing for them to get involved in beach cleaning with Clean Coasts. The group members get to work together and also learn a lot about the shoreline, people power and the need to keep our coasts clean.
North West Home Education Group
Following their success as Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Youth of the Year in 2023, the children and young people of North West Home Education Group were shortlisted again in 2024. The group continue to be passionate about the beaches and rivers of Inishowen and work togther to keep them clean. This year, their award-winning Think Before You Flush project was displayed at Fort Dunree as an exhibition. The children also delivered workshops to 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th classes of a local school to tell them about their project. They demonstrated experiments to show what not to flush, gave presentations and answered questions. It was the first time the children have done something like this with school peers and it was a wonderful success. In addition, the group also created ceramic tiles to show the local flora and fauna as part of an art project installed along the Crana River in Swan Park, Buncrana.
Event of the Year
Circus 250, Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, Scoil Naisunta Cheathru Thaidhg – Winners
The group collective won gold in the Event of the Year category 2024 for their Big Beach Clean event. They organise regular clean-ups on two local beaches – Rinn Rua and Port a’ Chlóidh, both of which have Green Coast flags. Working closely with the local primary school Scoil Náisiúnta Cheathrú Thaidhg to raise awareness among local schoolchildren on the importance of minimizing and recycling waste. They believe it is important that young people understand the key role they play in shaping the future of the environment and both Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo and the primary school have a strong green ethos.
The Big Beach Clean clean-up this year as part of An Taisce’s Clean Coasts was extra special with the participation of Circus 250 bringing great joy, fun and excitement to the occasion for all age groups. This event included a clown-led beach clean, organised by Clean Coasts, Circus 250 and the local community Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, as well have a fun workshop on Rinroe beach. The event was open to the local community, with students from the local national school taking part in the clean-up. Olivia from Clean Coasts gave a talk about the importance of reporting litter types and quantities as part of the BBC, and Juanita the Clown guided the children in beach cleaning activities.
Clean Coasts Ballynamona
Clean Coasts Ballynamona together with St Colman’s College Midleton in 2024 were shortlisted for Event of the Year 2024. The group once again ran the amazing Big Little Beach Clean series of beach based environmental education workshops on 4 Cork beaches; Redbarn in Youghal, Garryvoe & Ardnahinch in Ballycotton and Inchydoney Strand in West Cork. The events saw approx. 800 Primary School children and their teachers participate in beach based environmental education workshops.
The students have a workshop on biodiversity, retro rubbish, climate change and sewage related litter before warming their bellies with soup before doing a beach clean. The colour coded bibs and education stations makes the event run seamlessly, Clean Coasts Ballynamona even organise buses for the schools. It is a massive undertaking. The TY students from St Colman’s College in Midleton not only attended each of the workshops and participated in the beach clean they assist on the day with the younger students, mostly who are 6th class and enjoy the interaction with their older peers.
Clean Coasts Cobh, Ballymore Community Association, and Cobh Tidy Towns
Clean Coasts Cobh, Ballymore Community Association and Cobh Tidy Towns had two very large events in 2024 that earned them their position on the shortliste for Event of the Year. One for World Ocean Day and one for the Big Beach Clean. For World Ocean Day they did a clean up at Fota train station removing 70 bags of litter in one hour, a huge achievement. For the Big Beach Clean groups all around the island groups took on different stretches to cover as much ground as possible over the week. They cleaned up in woods, the town, villages and beaches. The event finished on the Monday evening with the local Sea Scouts troop doing a #2MinuteBeachClean. collecting an astonishing 57 pieces of litter in just 2 minutes and then carried on to fill four bags.
The Big Beach Clean on the Great Island saw over 30 bags of litter were removed from the shoreline. However it wasn’t all cleaning, another highlight of the weekend was Jim Wilson, a local wildlife expert ran a fascinating exploration of the diverse world of nature hidden on Whitepoint’s shoreline. Two wonderful events with great results and showing the strength of community.
Cooley Community Alert
Cooley Community Alert was shortlisted in the Event of the Year Category 2024. The group organise multiple clean up events throughout the year annually, but in 2024 they organised two a large events worth recognising, one during National Spring Clean in April at Rockmarshall coastal area, and one during the Big Beach Clean in September at Templetown beach. A lot of co-ordinating of different groups to team up in both cases resulted in huge volumes of rubbish collected. In the September clean up, approximately half a ton of waste was collected, which included a lot of discarded fishing waste. Teaming up with Cooley Community Alert on both clean ups, there were lots of members from the Louth Volunteer Centre, and also included many refugees new to the area who embraced the events wholeheartedly.
Ballygarrett Tidy Towns
Ballygarrett Tidy Towns was formed in 2005 with a small committee but great workers who look after the village and nearby beaches of Old Bawn and Cahore. The group work closely with the local schools, clubs and groups to engage them in beach cleans and their “Team up to Clean up” Campaign. As well as this, the group also manages the Cahore Point Trail and have installed new eco toilets at Cahore beach which they also manage.
This summer, the group have collaborated closely with the NPWS Education Centre Knocksink to roll out The Cahore Little Tern Protection Project. This project was based along the North Wexford Coastline with the aim to protect the endangered bird and increase its nesting. The project kicked off back in April, ahead of the nesting season, with an educational walk and talk by the NPWS Team. Knowledge was shared from the team and the locals to plan how best to protect the bird. The project was wrapped up at the end of the nesting season in October and proved successful with nesting increased from 22 to 64 nests.
Campaigner of the Year
Mark McCarthy – Winner
Rathmullan Coast Care – Winner
Rathmullan Clean Coasts Coastal Care Group were named joint winners in the Campaigner of the Year category for 2024. Established in 2012 an initially small group has grown to have multiple weekly dedicated volunteers. The group also advertises clean-ups in weekly notes in the local newspapers and Facebook to encourage the local community to join at any time. The group are very active, they have taken part in international litter surveys, Big Beach Cleans and more. They arrange for more frequent litter picks to take place during busy summer months, as well as participating in other events with the local schools and youth groups to educate them on issues around biodiversity, marine waste and more.
Magheroarty – Togra Fiontar & Cultúr Uladh Ctr
Magheroarty Community has been shortlisted for the 2024 Campaigner of the Year Award. This passionate group, made up of the local community, has been dedicated to safeguarding the marine environmental and finding sustainable solutions for the protection of its precious sand dunes and salt marshes. Their efforts have included a walk-and-talk event for Heritage Week 2024, where they celebrated the area’s rich biodiversity and unique habitats. The group has played a key role in highlighting the importance of dune systems and their health, bringing much-needed awareness to these delicate ecosystems. Additionally, by translating Clean Coasts resources into Irish, they’ve greatly supported environmental efforts across Gaeltacht regions.
Galway Atlantaquaria
Galway Atlantaquaria were shortlisted in the Campaigner of the Year” category 2024. While the Aquarium has been cleaning beaches since 2009, they joined Clean Coasts in 2016. Gary and his team at the aquarium are really committed to their piece of coastline and organise regular clean ups throughout the year. Galway Atlantaquaria has hosted multiple events throughout the year, from regular beach cleaning events to Yoga Sessions and more. They have also been a part of international campaigns and represent Ireland & Ocean Literacy by supporting a variety of EU Campaigns, including The See Water Differently Campaign.
Martina Healy (Leitrim Litter Picker)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award
Arklow Coast Care – Winners
Arklow Coast Care are the winners of the 2024 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award. The group who set up in 2006, is made up of core committed members who are active on Arklow South Beach. Their highlight this year has been working towards a green flag, which they achieved for the 2024 bathing season! Recently, they participated in a project with 402 Collective on the synthetic sea project, an art installation using found items from local waterways and beaches to bring awareness to the issue of plastic litter in the area. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of what this group does. Recently they have fought hard to make the beach accessible to all by installing a sand ladder so all mobilities can enjoy the beach. They regularly link in with local community groups such as Sunbeam House Services and Autism Initiatives who are regular attendees of their beach cleans. Other groups they have collaborated with this year are The National Learning Network, Tiglin, International Volunteers, Tidy Towns, Servier, Elevon and all the local schools.
Liquid Therapy
Liquid Therapy was shortlisted in the 2024 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category for their work not only Clean Coasts Group but also a charity that provides inclusive, adaptable, accessible ways to access the ocean and participate in ocean-based activities. They incorporate a 2 Minute Beach Clean as a way to teach and connect participants with their natural environment and educate how an individual can either positively or negatively impact their coastline. Each year they facilitate up to 20 inclusive beach cleans at Rossnowlagh Beach, County Donegal.
Tralee Tidy Towns
Tralee Tidy Towns was shortlisted in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Category. The group meets once a week in the town for a clean-up. As the population of Tralee town has become more diverse, with many people moving to Ireland, the group has now members from different countries, including Ukraine, Syria and Algeria, as well as local people and Irish people who call Tralee their home. People seeking refuge in Ireland are fleeing very difficult situations but to want to give back to their new home and keep the local area clean shows real strength and compassion. Upon the release of the IBAL litter results, Tralee Tidy Towns put a plan into action to address areas that are littered and for any areas they cannot access they work with local businesses and state companies to get everyone to keep the town tidy. The group also dropped 250 copies of their Family Heritage Trail booklet to the Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC) who will use them in English language classes and in information about the town. They are hoping to work with TIRC on translations into the languages of the people they work with.
Rathmullan Coast Care and Coastal Warriors
Rathmullan Coast Care and Coastal Warriors are shortlisted in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Category for their continued work during 2024. Established in 2012 an initially small group has grown to have weekly dedicated volunteers, and advertises clean-ups in weekly notes in the local newspapers to encourage the local community to join at any time. Coastal Warriors from St Conal’s Garden Centre have been joining clean ups with Rathmullan Coast Care since 2015 and dedicated to making the local beach area inclusive for all. This year, they have added 2x all-inclusive picnic benches to the area, donated by Clean Coasts and Cunninghams Civil. As well as upgrading their accessible Beach Wheelchair and Beach mobility unit in August, which are available near the Sailing Compound. The public toilets in Rathmullan also provide disabled facilities. Due to Rathmullan Coast Care, the beach is now a very popular destination for many Social Activity group outings with individuals with impaired mobility issues coming to walk on the safe beaches or use the all-inclusive playground.
Western Care with Keep our Beaches Clean
The Western Care Clean Coasts Group and Keep our Beaches Clean were shortlisted for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award 2024. The group was set up in 2020 as during Covid the group felt privileged to have access to their local beaches, and wanted to give back to the communities in the area. Through liaising with members from Keep Our Beaches Clean, which had been set up in 2018 they undertook beach clean-ups and other initiatives and activities aiming to preserve and protect the beaches in the area. Focusing on becoming more conscious of the environment the group this year we opened a Free Community Library aiming to encourage recycling of books and foster interaction with the community