Kara Richards : Winner of the Arts, Culture & Festivals Volunteer Ireland Award

Athlone Community Radio is delighted to congratulate their volunteer Kara Richards for winning this year’s Volunteer Ireland Awards.

Kara won the prestigious award this year in the Arts, Culture & Festivals Category.

The awards aim to shine a light on the remarkable achievements of volunteers across the country and give a chance to say thank you for everything that they do.

Each Autumn, Volunteer Ireland ask the public to nominate an outstanding volunteer and we were delighted to nominate our amazing volunteer Kara Richards says Maeve O’ Healy Harte, Volunteer Co-Coordinator with Athlone Community Radio.

Kara was recognised for her incredible contribution during Covid 19, her dedication to showcasing local music and talent through her radio show “LiveWires” on Athlone Community Radio 88.4fm. 

Maeve put forward the nomination on behalf of the radio station and went on to say

“Kara’s contribution during lockdown was exceptional. She kept the feel good factor of music on the airways raising people’s spirits during the pandemic. Kara’s innovation of working with new and unknown musicians is remarkable. Her thirst for others to succeed is amazing. The otherwise neglected community of local musicians is her passion – to help them improve and succeed with their talent”.

Kara was presented with the award on Monday Dec 1^st, she was taken completely by surprise as she was unaware that she had been nominated.

She received an engraved trophy, a framed message from President Michael D Higgins, and of course, a hamper of goodies to celebrate with.

After the presentation Irena Cvetkovic, Station Manager, said

“This is an amazing boost for the radio station. Kara’s innovation of working with new and unknown musicians is remarkable. Her thirst for others to succeed is palpable. She went on to thank The Sound Factory who has sponsored the “LiveWires” programme since Athlone Community Radio started to broadcast 10 years ago”.

Irena also extended her congratulations to Shay Hamilton of Athlone Tidy Towns. Shay won under the category of Environment and Animal Care, “we are all very pleased to see two awards coming to Athlone, Kara and Shay were two of the nominees of 800 people nominated this year.