Ceangal Local Heritage Award 2026 Winner Announced

The 2026 Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) All Ireland Community and Council Awards took place at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Saturday.

Warmest congratulations to the winners of the Ceangal Local Heritage Award, Donegal County Council, for their exhibition “Working Over By: Donegal Emigrant Working Lives in Scotland, 1940–1990.” Read more about the exhibition. 

Congratulations also to Heritage Officer Joseph Gallagher and the entire team behind this powerful project.

Hosted at Donegal County Museum, the exhibition explored the experiences of Donegal men and women who worked in Scotland between 1940 and 1990, documenting their working lives, living conditions, and community histories. The project was delivered through collaboration between the Heritage Office, Donegal County Museum, Donegal County Archives, the Regional Cultural Centre, and the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies. It formed part of the County Donegal Heritage Plan and was funded by The Heritage Council and Donegal County Council.

Congratulations also to the shortlisted projects:
• Wicklow County Council – Michael Dwyer 200 Programme
• Mayo County Council – Mullet Peninsula BioBlitz
• Tipperary County Council – Hands of Heritage

The Heritage Council was proud to sponsor the Ceangal Local Heritage Award as part of our Silver Sponsorship of the 2026 LAMA Awards, recognising excellence and partnership in local heritage delivery across Ireland.