The Bray community came together on an extraordinary evening to celebrate the 2024 Endeavour Awards at the esteemed Mermaid Arts Centre. This prestigious event, held on Thursday, November 21st, highlighted the excellence, innovation, and contributions of individuals, groups, and businesses that continue to enrich Bray’s thriving community.

With 16 award categories, the ceremony recognised the exceptional individuals and organisations shaping Bray’s civic, cultural, and business landscape. Thousands of nominations poured in during a two-month public awareness campaign, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for celebrating local heroes.

This year’s event saw a dynamic gathering of local leaders, entrepreneurs, and community advocates, all sharing in celebrating Bray’s remarkable accomplishments.

Each award category shed light on the efforts of individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond in their respective fields, inspiring others to strive for excellence.

In his address, Kieran Ward, President of the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce, stated, “The Endeavour Awards are a unique opportunity to shine a light on the remarkable individuals and businesses that make Bray such an extraordinary place to live and work. Each nominee and winner reflects the very best of our community.”

The highlight of the evening was the Bray Person of the Year award, presented to Matt Keenan, who has made a huge difference within our community, spearheading a groundbreaking initiative, possibly the first in the world, to create a panel of local mental health first aid responders. Matt has made and will continue to make a real difference in our local community and beyond and as a result was presented with the Bray Person of the year for 2024.

The 2024 Bray & District Chamber of Commerce Endeavour Award winners are as follows:

• Bray Person of the Year – Matt Keenan
• Lifetime Achievement – Brian White
• Business of the Year – OxygenCare
• Civic Award – Order of Malta
• Community Award – Open Door
• Customer Choice Local Business of the Year – Finders Keepers
• Customer Service Person of the Year Award – Richie Redmond
• Customer Choice Hospitality Venue of the Year – DAATA Bray
• Special Recognition Business Award – Pemco
• Social Media Award – Love Bray
• Sports Achievement Award – Daina Moorehouse
• Sports Achievement Award – Lara Gillespie
• Sports Recognition Award – Zauri Antia
• Young Sports Award – Aoife Couolson
• Young Achiever Awards – Max McGlone, Jamie Murphy, Jason Tamayo
• Young Achiever Special Recognition Award- Temera O’Brien

Kieran Ward also thanked the event sponsors, noting, “A special thanks to our sponsors; AIB, Ballymore, Codling Wind Park, Commscope, Condor Publishers, Bray Municipal District, East Coast CU, Metec, Royal Hotel & Merrill Leisure Centre, PTSB, Teddy’s Ice Cream, Wicklow County Council, without their support, the event would not be possible.”

The 2024 Endeavour Awards once again demonstrated the depth of talent and dedication within Bray, highlighting the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate excellence.

About the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce Endeavour Awards

The Bray & District Chamber of Commerce Endeavour Awards have been a hallmark of community recognition since their inception in 1981. Established to honour individuals, groups, and businesses who have made significant contributions to Bray and the surrounding areas, the awards have grown into a prestigious event that reflects the spirit of civic pride and community excellence. Each year, the public is invited to nominate those who have positively impacted the local community, ensuring that the unsung heroes of Bray are acknowledged and celebrated. Over the decades, the awards have become a symbol of gratitude, highlighting the extraordinary efforts that keep the community vibrant and connected.

Pictured are the 2024 Endeavour Award recipients.

Events hashtags are #BrayEndeavourAwards #BrayHeroes2024 #LoveBray