Longford Pride’s secretary takes home Volunteer of the Year Award

Gemma Cooney, the secretary of Longford Pride and organiser of its social group, Hazy Rainbow Social Club, took home the Volunteer of the Year award at The GALAS, LGBTQ+ Awards last Saturday at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. The GALAS, set up in 2009, is Ireland’s only LGBTQ+ award programme, aimed to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of individuals, companies and organisations and their work to make Ireland, and the world, a better place for the LGBTQ+ community. 

“I have been volunteering in Longford and I have been very lucky to meet people who make things happen there” - Cooney said in her acceptance speech. 

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“I want to give a shout out to folks that I spent the last year working with - including helping to put up cable tied pride flags. I want to thank Aonghus, Caroline, Christine, Nikita, Shaena, and special shout out to the amazing Longford Pride Chair, Lorelei”. 

Longford Pride’s Corporate Engagement Officer, Christine O’Mahony was also one of the 4 nominees for the Gala’s Emerging Journalist Award. Longford’s Rebecca De Havilland, who served as the Grand Marshal for Longford Pride 2024, was also shortlisted for the Noel Walsh HIV Activism Award. 

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Planning is underway for Longford Pride 2026, while Hazy Rainbow social club is packed with activities for October, including a Tattoo workshop at Full Heart Tattoo Studio on the 14th of October and a Halloween Costume Themed Party, taking place on the 16th of October in Valentines Bar- tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/hazy-rainbow-after-dark-halloween-party-tickets-1787075453789 

. Hazy rainbow social club also raised €280 last month for Gaza Go Bragh during their Palestine fundraiser, held at PVs Red Room.