A DONEGAL woman has been named as one of four AXA Community Heroes from around Ireland, following a nationwide search for people making a meaningful difference in their neighbourhoods.
Hundreds of nominations were submitted across four categories, highlighting individuals who show leadership, innovation and creativity in helping others.
Mary Doherty was awarded the title of Community Hero in the Women’s Safety and Wellbeing category, thanks to her work at Lifeline Inishowen over the past thirty years. The organisation supports people affected by domestic abuse through services including a helpline, a drop-in service, advocacy, court accompaniment, professional counselling and campaigning. It helped 184 adults and 61 children across Inishowen in 2024.
Mary is vital to these operations, whether she is answering the helpline, training volunteers, arranging professional counselling or guiding the Management Board. Much of Lifeline Inishowen’s achievements would not be possible without Mary Doherty’s unwavering commitment, energy and determination.
Mary says she’s thrilled with the award, and the €20,000 prize fund will be going to Lifeline Inishowen: “I’m very humbled, I’m accepting this award on behalf of all the great volunteers who have worked with me over the years, without whom the service would never have survived. These funds mean so much, Lifeline Inishowen will be able to put it to use for example in their awareness programme in schools, which is such an important part of what they do”
Marguerite Brosnan, CEO of AXA Ireland, says the category winners are extremely impressive: “The AXA Community Hero Awards are about honouring the work of remarkable people across Ireland who are going the extra mile to help others. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase their achievements for the wider public, who might otherwise never hear about them.”
Each of the AXA Community Heroes was nominated by someone close to them and the company has decided to recognise their efforts too, as Elizabeth Arnett, Chief Communications, Brand and Sustainability Officer at AXA Ireland explains: “The success of the Community Hero programme relies on people putting others’ names forward and explaining why they deserve the title. At a time when we are all living very busy lives, we wanted to show our appreciation for those who took the time to tell us their story. That’s why each person behind the nominations for our winning AXA Community Heroes will also receive €3,000, as a token of our appreciation.”
Full details of the AXA Community Heroes and their achievements can be found at www.axa.ie.
