Nominations are in for this year’s Charity Retail Ireland Awards and we don’t envy the job of our judges one bit! The nominations reflect the talent, passion and commitment of the charity retail world, and demonstrate the warm, supportive nature of our charity shop teams.
Below is the longlist for each category, together with a excerpt from each nomination for the people awards.
Shortlists will be announced the week of October 19th.
Martin Kenny Volunteer of the Year 2026
Ray Brennan – SVP Vincent’s – Sean McDermott St, Dublin
“A natural mentor, he is vital for everything we do here and has always served this community with diligence, professionalism and genuine empathy. He deserves a medal, a commendation or some kind of halo!”
Shay Carroll – SVP Vincent’s – Swords, Co. Dublin
“He always goes the extra mile for the shop and the charity, and is a friendly face that customers come to the shop just to say hello to. His zest for making the store better drives us all.”
Jacquie Corey – Oxfam – Malahide
“Incredibly kind, humble, reliable and hard-working, she always goes above and beyond. An absolute gem who has supported us and everyone around her from the get go.”
Darren Hayes – SVP Vincent’s – Raheny, Dublin
“Darren has demonstrated tremendous loyalty and commitment. His experience and knowledge of the store built up is priceless and he is someone both staff and volunteers know they can turn to.”
Marie Kenny – Anam Croí Charity Shop – Claregalway
“Warm, professional and welcoming, she helps across every aspect of the shop and takes enormous pride in keeping it looking its best. After 14 years her enthusiasm has never faded and she makes a huge difference to morale.”
Jackie Kinsella – Irish Deaf Society – Ashbourne
“Jackie represents everything that makes volunteering in charity retail so valuable. She gives her time generously, builds strong connections with customers and colleagues, making people feel welcome, valued and part of the community.”
Joe Lyons – SVP Vincent’s – Castleconnell, Limerick
“For 15 years, he has given his time, energy and kindness generously to SVP every single day. He is much loved by our shop teams, who appreciate both his hard work and the person he is.”
Margaret Mc Kiernan – SVP Vincent’s – Cavan Town
“She is absolutely dedicated to volunteering, and provides a vital service. She is funny and kind, and works at everything everyday. Margaret is an integral part of the team, and we would be lost without her presence.”
Bernadette McElhinney – Síoraí Clothing (Spraoi agus Spórt), Carndonagh, Donegal
“Bernadette’s support strengthens the whole team. She combines sustained commitment, initiative and team spirit, generously sharing her knowledge, time, skills and care.”
Ann Mooney -SVP Vincent’s – Georges St, D2
“Despite a journey time of 2 hours either way, she always shows up, morning to close running the till like a true champion. We never have to worry when she is there to help”
Phyllis Shaughnessy – Volunteer – Anam Croí Charity Shop, Claregalway
“Dependable, versatile and committed, she has an enormous amount of experience and knowledge She contributes hugely to the sense of camaraderie within the shop through her good humour and willingness to help.”
Rising Star of the Year 2026
Marc Browne – SVP Vincent’s – Cavan
“So dedicated and willing to learn. He is SO HARD WORKING, he helps others, he is thoughtful and friendly… a total all-rounder”
Valerie Deegan – SVP Vincent’s – Banagher
“Valerie has made an outstanding impact through her initiative, commercial understanding and warm approach to people.”
Maura Long – Anam Croi – Claregalway
“She brings great energy to the team. Her good humour lifts morale and makes even the busiest days that little bit brighter.”
Liza Rohovlova – Barnardos – Wexford
“She has excelled at her role and deserves the award for her kindness, positivity, and excellent work ethic.”
Reuben Rutledge – Barnardos – Ballycoolin
“A pleasure to work with: talented, reliable, committed, with a positive attitude and a laugh along the way.”
Shop Team of the Year 2026
Anam Croi, Claregalway
“Their hard work, friendship, adaptability and commitment to each other have created a shop that our community continues to support and one of which the entire Anam Croí team can be genuinely proud.”
Barnardos, Carlow Town
“The team represents the very best of charity retail: resilience, accountability, and a profound commitment to the cause. This remarkable group up individuals stepped up in time of need with dedication and professionalism.”
Barnardos – Main St, Cork City
“No matter who needs help any team member will go out of their way to assist a person in need. We all truly enjoy working together and each and every one of the team bring something different to the table.”
Barnardos, Dalkey
“This outstanding team does not just run a retail space; they act as a vibrant, essential heartbeat for the community, and exemplify how passion, creativity, and a people-first approach can turn a charity shop into a community institution.”
Barnardos – Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
“They always greet customers with a warm smile and a willingness to help with whatever they are looking for. We all learn from each other, which quietly builds trust which spills onto the shop floor and makes the shop feel very welcoming.”
Barnardos – Selskar St, Wexford
“They have great rapport as a team and a genuine passion for their work. This shows in how they deal with customers and each other, and helps to create a productive and wonderful work environment.”
Clare Haven Horizons Charity Superstore – Ennis, Co. Clare
“They are not just a team; they are the heart of our store. Every member brings something unique and it is this combination of strengths that makes our shop shine: their dedication, teamwork, passion, resilience, creativity and unwavering commitment.”
Essential Seconds, Wine St, Sligo
“Our staff and volunteers embody the values of compassion, teamwork, community engagement, and sustainability, making a meaningful difference both within our local community and across the wider North West.”
Essential Seconds, Ballymote, Sligo
“They exemplify the very best of charity retail, combining outstanding customer service with a genuine desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives every single day.”
Irish Deaf Society, Newbridge
“A team that has created a community, and a community that has become a family. Their commitment, creativity, friendship and willingness to support one another make them truly deserving of recognition.”
Oxfam, Malahide
“A wonderful team, so generous, kind and very funny! Singing and dancing as they work, they make every day a joy”
Power4Good, Main St, Tullamore
“With dedication, initiative and teamwork, they support each other and give their best. A team who genuinely care about the shop, the customers, their colleagues and the charity they represent.”
Roscommon Women’s Network Charity Shop
“Their achievement is visible in funds raised, skills gained, materials reused and opportunities created, and in the continued strength of the organisation.”
Síoraí Clothing (Spraoi agus Spórt) – Carndonagh, Donegal
“A team whose friendships, generosity with their knowledge and commitment to a shared purpose have helped both the shop and its charity grow.”
SVP Vincent’s, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
“We work together to create a friendly and welcoming environment where customers feel valued and enjoy shopping with us. Everyone contributes their skills, ideas, and enthusiasm to keep the shop running smoothly and improving every day.”
SVP Vincent’s – Blanchardstown, Dublin
“They constantly go the extra mile for for our customers and serve the community with great distinction. The team amazes me with their constant creativity and ways to raise much needed funds for the charity.”
SVP Vincent’s – Clara, Co. Offaly
“The team takes tremendous pride in the shop. It is beautifully merchandised, thoughtfully presented and warmly welcoming. Their care is evident both in how the shop looks and in how they treat people.”
SVP Vincent’s, Clondalkin, Dublin
“Every day is a joy with them, the good days and the bad days are spent with a team who genuinely care not only about the work that they do , but also about each other.”
SVP Vincent’s – Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
“A team of people who without whose help i could not run the shop, to say they go above and beyond is an understatement. The laughs and smiles they bring to each and every day is a joy to be around.”
SVP Vincent’s – Lucan, Co. Dublin
“The team consistently demonstrates commitment, team work and a genuine passion for supporting the charity and the community. We look out for each other and build a friendly and positive team spirit.”
SVP/Vincent’s, Malahide, Co. Dublin
“My team always gives 110%. We create a happy, friendly vibe to which our customers always enjoy coming back: we treat them all like family.”
SVP Vincent’s – Kenmare, Co. Kerry
“They are the best…they are appreciated and loved by our community and by me. Each and everyone of them are kind and caring, we are like a big family. They give so much of their time for our charity of St. Vincent de Paul.”
SVP Vincent’s – Swords, Co. Dublin
“My team give their time and work tirelessly for the store . They extend warm friendship to every person who enters the store and they make a difference to all those people.”
Shop Manager of the Year 2026
Ramot Akinyemi – SVP Vincent’s Balbriggan
“Ramot demonstrates exceptional commitment, leadership, creativity, and professionalism. With patience, kindness, and genuine personal support she motivates staff to improve their skills, contribute ideas, and take pride in the shop.”
Julieann Beale – SVP Vincent’s Tubbercurry
“She is the driving force behind all that is good with our shop. She is so encouraging, letting her staff know that they can achieve anything if they put the time and effort in.”
Theresa Finn – SVP Vincent’s Abbeyfeale, Limerick
“Her consistent standards, supportive leadership and strong community relationships help raise funds for SVP while putting its values into practice every day. She is loved by her team and community, valued by her colleagues, and a wonderful example of charity shop leadership.”
Cassie Murphy Furey – Anam Croí Charity Shop, Claregalway
“Her flexibility, empathy, dedication and genuine care for staff, volunteers and customers are at the heart of her management style and her personality and sense of humour brighten the shop.”
Leona Hunt – Oxfam, Wexford Town
“Leona is creative, committed, adaptable and commercially focused, but above all she is a people person. She has created a shop where volunteers want to come, customers want to return and the wider community feels welcome.”
Anthony Maher, The Magpie’s Next (Trustus)
“Anthony is kind, caring and a wonderful manager to work with. He’s great with customers, staff and volunteers and he’s a great mentor and work colleague.”
Mairead Mannion – Clare Haven Horizons Charity Superstore – Ennis. Co. Clare
“She is an exceptional manager who leads with professionalism, compassion and determination, earning the respect and affection of everyone connected with our charity.”
Pauline Matthews, Barnardos Kilbarrack
“Pauline is as dedicated to her customers and her team as she is to Barnardos. She is a loyal, valuable, trustworthy, hard working Manager, but behind all the hard work she still continues to maintain and nurture a fun environment.”
Fionnuala Murphy – Barnardos Wexford
“A dedicated, hardworking and inspiring leader who genuinely cares about the development of the shop and the people who work in it. Her positive attitude, commitment and enthusiasm have made a real difference to our team and to the success of the store.”
Ileana Pop – SVP Vincent’s, Georges St. Dublin
“She is enthusiastic and fearless in her support for her team and shop. She is a natural leader. Her charm means that she generates a lot of both goodwill and leads for new donors and she never loses an opportunity to promote the shop.”
Paul Ryan – Shop Manager – SVP Vincent’s Living, Limerick
“What makes Paul stand out is the combination of consistent sales growth, strong management and generosity towards others. He cares about the success of his own shop, the wider retail team and the people the Society supports. He is A STAR.”
Rachel Stewart – SVP Vincent’s Tallaght, Dublin
“Rachel is a consummate professional, who goes above and beyond. Her customers constantly praise her for her assistance and community spirit. She is beloved by her team.”
Rita Zachar – SVP Vincent’s Kenmare, Co. Kerry
“She is a joy to work for. She works so hard to make sure all volunteers are looked after and motivated and promotes the charity in such a positive way that all our customers new and old have nothing but good to say about her.”
Team Member of the Year 2026
Maksym Chovnyk, Team Leader, Clare Haven Horizons Superstore, Ennis
“Maksym is kind, humble, hardworking, dependable and genuinely cares about both our team and the work we do. He is a true inspiration to those around him, and an absolute joy to work with every day.”
Marita Finnegan, CE Scheme Participant, SVP Vincent’s George’s St, Dublin
“The shop is in good hands when she is in: she manages everything like a champ. She is very caring about the shop and the team, volunteers and customers and is friendly, kind and helpful. I’d be lost without her.”
Margo Hyland, Sales Assistant, SVP Vincent’s Sean McDermott St, Dublin
“The heart and soul of our shop, she has more compassion and empathy than anybody I have ever known. She is professional and always goes the extra mile. The world needs more Margos!”
Therese Martin, Shop Supervisor, Irish Deaf Society, Drogheda
“She has demonstrated loyalty, initiative, creativity and leadership, while never losing her warmth and enthusiasm. She brings something very special to our shop – joy, energy and fun.”
Terry Oyeneyin, Van Driver’s Assistant, Barnardos
“Terry approaches every responsibility with enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism. He is someone the team can always count on: warm and friendly, his good-humoured nature is appreciated by all his colleagues.”
Patrycja Pawela, Deputy Manager, Oxfam Ringsend, Dublin
“Patrycja is a retailer, stylist, creator, educator, motivator and ambassador, and a true champion of charity retail. She is creative, commercially aware and cares deeply about the people she works with and the purpose behind charity retail.”
Alina Pekhterieva, Sales Assistant, Barnardos Selksar St, Wexford
“She shows excellent customer care, has a natural flair for merchandising and is hardworking and reliable. She stands out due to her resilience and commitment to learning.”
Deboragh Tiernay, Sales Assistant, Vincent’s Living, Mungret St, Limerick
“We simply could not do without her! Always willing to roll up her sleeves, whatever needs doing, and the warmth to the shop and makes people feel welcome, valued and part of the community.”
Charity Shop of the Year 2026
Anam Croí Charity Shop – Claregalway, Co. Galway
Clare Haven Horizons Charity Superstore – Ennis, Co. Clare
Irish Deaf Society, Bray
Spraoi agus Sport – Síoraí Clothing – Carndonagh, Donegal
SVP Vincent’s – Georges St. Dublin
SVP Vincent’s – Kenmare, Co. Kerry
SVP Vincent’s – Moyross, Limerick
SVP Vincent’s – Sean McDermott St., Dublin
SVP Vincent’s – Swords, Co. Dublin
Online Presence of the Year 2026
Barnardos Bridal Rooms
Barnardos – Dalkey Shop, Co. Dublin
Clare Haven Horizons Charity Superstore – Ennis, Co. Clare
SVP Vincent’s – Kenmare, Co. Kerry
SVP Vincent’s – Killarney, Co. Kerry
Shop Window of the Year 2026
Anam Croí Charity Shop, Claregalway, Co. Galway (Valentine’s Day)
Barnardos Retail – Dalkey, Co. Dublin (Dalkey Lobster Festival, Bark-ados Boutique)
Barnardos Retail Dun Laoghaire , Co. Dublin (Autumn Reimagined)
Clare Haven Horizons Charity Superstore – Ennis, Co. Clare (Furniture Window Display)
Essential Seconds, Ballymote (Easter)
Essential Seconds, Wine St. Sligo (Christmas, Summer)
Irish Deaf Society, Newbridge (Curragh theme)
Síoraí Home/ Spraoi agus Spórt (Summer)
SVP Vincent’s – Ballinteer (Summer)
SVP Vincent’s, Blanchardstown, D15 (Easter, Father’s Day, St Patrick’s Day)
SVP Vincent’s – Kenmare, Co. Kerry (Summer, Winter Wonderland, Hallowe’en, Ring of Beara Cycle)
SVP Vincent’s, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow (Halloween)
SVP Vincent’s, Swords, Co. Dublin (Festival, World Cup Final)