The judges of the 2026 Charity Retail Ireland Awards had a near-impossible task in selecting shortlists from this year’s nominations. Managers, staff and volunteers voted for their colleagues, celebrating the passion, dedication, knowledge, kindness and goodwill that makes charity retail special. Our warmest congratulations both to the shortlistees and to everyone who was nominated.

Below is the shortlist for each category, together with a excerpt from each nomination for the people awards.

The winners will be announced at the Charity Retail Impact Event Awards Ceremony on November 11th at the Midlands Hotel, Portlaoise. The event is free and will include lunch and refreshments. All shortlisted charities or individuals are encouraged to attend, and you are of course welcome to book in now.

Martin Kenny Volunteer of the Year 2026

Marie Kenny – Anam Croí Charity Shop – Claregalway
“Warm, professional and welcoming, Marie 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.”
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.”
Phyllis Shaughnessy – 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”
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.”
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

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.”
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 – 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.”


Codex 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.”
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.”


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.”
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.”
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.”


Charity Shop of the Year 2026

Clare Haven Horizons Charity Superstore – Ennis, Co. Clare
Irish Deaf Society, Bray
SVP Vincent’s – Moyross, Limerick

Minimist Online Presence of the Year 2026

Barnardos Bridal Rooms
Barnardos – Dalkey Shop, Co. Dublin
Clare Haven Horizons Charity Superstore – Ennis, Co. Clare

Shop Window of the Year 2026

Barnardos Retail – Dalkey, Co. Dublin (Dalkey Lobster Festival)
SVP Vincent’s – Ballinteer (Summer)
SVP Vincent’s – Kenmare, Co. Kerry (Hallowe’en)

We are hugely grateful to our awards judges, who give their time generously to support the awards:

  • Katie Hore, Through the Window Visual Merchandising Consultancy
  • Kathleen Cawley, Communication and Events Officer, Volunteer Ireland
  • Adam Boland, Research Office & ARTIC Project Lead, The Rediscovery Centre
  • Katrina Carroll, @vintageirishkat, Sustainable Fashion Fashion Influencer
  • Melissa Moore, Retail Tea Break podcast host and Retail Trainer & Expert
  • Fionnuala Jay, @fionnualajay, Digital Creator, Presenter and Podcaster
  • Rachel Jackson, Continuous Improvement Lead, Codex

This event is supported by the Government of Ireland’s Circular Economy Fund.