Business Island is thrilled to announce that nominations for The Digie Awards 2026 are now open!

This inaugral event is all about recognising online retailers, social media campaigns, and the very best in digitial marketing across the entire island of Ireland.

Event Details:

•  Saturday, October 17th, 2026
•  The Garryvoe Hotel, East Cork

HOW TO NOMINATE

Nominate any individual, business, or brand that you feel represents the very best in Ireland’s digital space. You can nominate as many people or businesses as you’d like, and you’re welcome to nominate yourself too! 

Nominations can be sent through the following form, which is linked here.

Nominations will remain open until July 3rd, 2026.

Categories for Consideration

Best Agency

Best App

Best Brand

Best Collaboration (Owner/Brand/Agency)

Best Content Creator (Instagram)

Best Content Creator (TikTok)

Best Digital Marketing Team

Best Digital Transformation

Best in Content Creation (Agency)

Best in Retail & Consumer Goods

Best Newcomer

Best Sales Team

Best Small Agency

Best Social Media Campaign

Best Sustainability Initiative

Best Use of Facebook for Business

Best Use of Instagram for Business

Best Use of LinkedIn for Business

Best Use of TikTok for Business

Best Use of Video

Best Website

Rising Star in Digital Marketing 2026

The Digies Influencer of 2026

The Judges Special Merit Awards

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Ireland’s largest Padel rollout company Padel 100 has announced its plans to offer Irish schools free Padel Courts. With over 20 schools already onboarded and 50 new courts set for installation nationwide in coming months, the initiative is generating huge attention from schools all over the country.

The rapidly growing Irish sports company has already secured agreements with more than 20 schools nationwide as part of its mission to make sport more accessible, modern, and community-driven for the next generation. Padel 100 has announced one of Ireland’s largest school sports infrastructure rollouts in recent years, with plans to install brand-new padel courts across Irish schools, completely free of charge to participating schools. Under the initiative, Padel 100 fully funds the purchase and installation of the courts, with schools receiving the facilities at no capital cost. Schools will also receive an ongoing royalty payment from every public booking made outside school hours. The model allows schools to benefit from world-class sports infrastructure while creating a new long-term income stream for education and extracurricular development. Padel is widely considered the world’s fastest-growing sport, with a new club opening worldwide every 100 minutes, according to the Playtomic Global Padel Report 2026, published last week. The sport combines elements of tennis and squash and has exploded in popularity across Europe, attracting players of all ages and abilities.

Announcing the initiative, Co-Founder & CEO Ben Keohane said, “This is about giving back to schools and communities. We’re creating facilities that students can use during the school day while also building hubs for local families, clubs, and communities in the evenings, weekends, and school holidays. Many schools simply don’t have the funding available for projects like this, so we wanted to remove that barrier entirely. We install the courts for free, the schools benefit directly from usage revenues, and communities get access to a fun, healthy, social sport that people of all ages can play together. Padel 100 operates the courts commercially outside school hours to recoup its investment, creating what it describes as a sustainable shared-community model between education and sport”.

Padel 100 is not only expanding into schools, but also into hotels, sports complexes, leisure centres, and community facilities across Ireland as demand for the sport continues to accelerate. The company expects to have 49 courts fully live and operational nationwide by the first week of July, with more than 100 courts already committed to sites across Ireland by Christmas 2026. In addition to its commercial rollout, the company’s long-term goal is to install a further 100 padel courts directly into Irish schools as part of its broader community and youth participation strategy.

Founded in Ireland in 2025, Padel 100 has rapidly grown into Ireland’s largest padel development company and is currently backed by more than 190 private investors. To date, the company has raised more than €3 million to fund court acquisitions and nationwide installations. The investment has been structured under Ireland’s Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS), allowing qualifying investors to avail of significant tax relief. The current investment round remains open until the end of the year, with:

• 50% tax relief currently available until July 1
• Relief reducing to 35% thereafter
• Minimum investment of €1000

Head of Investment at Padel 100, Nathan McSharry said, “All investment funds are being directly deployed into purchasing and installing courts nationwide. Individuals interested in becoming part of the expansion can learn more at www.padelinvestor.eu and I will be delighted to talk people through the process”.

For more information, please visit padel100.ie

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Irish economic and institutional leaders on Friday, May 8th, called in Cork for a substantial strengthening of economic ties between Ireland and Morocco, highlighting the major investment opportunities the Kingdom offers across several strategic sectors.

The officials were speaking during a series of economic meetings organised in Ireland’s second-largest city by the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), in coordination with the Embassy of Morocco in Ireland. The discussions underscored the growing interest among Irish business circles in the Moroccan market and the Kingdom’s positioning as a leading investment platform at both the regional and continental levels.

Participants stressed that Morocco continues to enhance its appeal to international investors thanks to the stability of its economic environment, the ongoing modernisation of its infrastructure, and its strategic geographic location as a gateway between Europe and Africa. 

Michael Mulcahy, President of the Little Island Business Association, one of Ireland’s leading business networks, pointed to the clear interest among Irish companies in the opportunities offered by the Moroccan market, particularly in industry, services, technology, and infrastructure. 

“As a gateway to Africa, Morocco is undoubtedly a country with strong momentum, deeply committed to investing in its infrastructure, human capital, and future,” he said, adding that “the potential for developing relations between Ireland and Morocco is considerable.” 

Irish Minister of State at the Department of Community and Rural Development, Jerry Buttimer TD, Morocco’s Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Dr. Lahcen Mahraoui, and Michael Mulcahy, President of the Little Island Business Association

According to Mr. Mulcahy, the institutional, economic, and human ties built over the years between the two countries have created a favourable environment for new partnerships and for the expansion of trade exchanges.

For his part, Deputy Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Ian Doyle emphasised the growing strength of economic relations between Ireland and Morocco, noting that trade exchanges between the two countries have been steadily increasing across several key sectors, including agriculture, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, and industrial equipment. 

“Beyond traditional sectors, new opportunities for cooperation are also emerging in information technology, digital services, and especially renewable energy, an area in which Morocco enjoys growing international recognition thanks to its ambitious investments in solar and wind power”, he said. 

Cllr. Doyle also referred to ongoing discussions between Morocco and Cork aimed at exploring new opportunities to develop tourism flows between the two countries. “Stronger cooperation in this area could generate significant economic benefits for both Morocco and Irish regions”, he added. The Cork meetings follow similar events held Wednesday in Dublin as part of the same initiative led by AMDIE and the Embassy of Morocco in Ireland, aimed at promoting the Kingdom as an investment destination and opening new avenues for bilateral cooperation.

Opening both events, Morocco’s Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Dr. Lahcen Mahraoui, said the conference, jointly organised by the Moroccan Embassy and Ireland, which are celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, are working to “build a partnership increasingly focused on tangible economic opportunities”, noting that the conference theme “Morocco-Ireland: A Partnership Connecting Europe to Africa’s New Growth Frontier” captures a genuine strategic reality.

Morocco is not only a partner for Ireland; it is also a strategic gateway for Irish companies seeking access to African markets, the diplomat stressed, adding that the Kingdom offers a reliable, stable, connected, and business-friendly environment.

Backed by strong economic fundamentals, modern infrastructure, and a diversified industrial base, Morocco provides Irish businesses with a highly competitive platform for expansion into Africa. Dr. Mahraoui also emphasised that Morocco’s growing economic footprint across the continent is helping foster partnerships that go beyond simple market access, opening the door to co-investment, co-production, and sustainable long-term growth. He invited companies from Dublin, Cork and across Ireland to establish a presence in Morocco.

“Today, the objective is to build bridges between Irish expertise and Moroccan platforms, between European innovation and African growth,” the Ambassador said.

For his part, Irish Minister of State at the Department of Community and Rural Development, Jerry Buttimer TD, welcomed the organisation of the conference in Cork, describing the city and county as a true engine of the Irish economy. He claimed that the event comes at an opportune time to explore the many avenues for cooperation between Morocco and Ireland.

Morocco and Ireland share half a century of friendship, trust, and cooperation, he recalled, stressing that Rabat and Dublin, as they mark 50 years of diplomatic ties, have chosen to deepen their partnership in the belief that stronger cooperation will enable both countries to go further. The opening of Ireland’s embassy in Morocco in 2021 gave fresh impetus to economic cooperation, creating major opportunities for businesses in both countries across a wide range of sectors, Minister Buttimer added. 

Irish Minister of State at the Department of Community and Rural Development, Jerry Buttimer TD, Morocco’s Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Dr. Lahcen Mahraoui

Trade between the two countries continues to grow steadily, the Irish official noted, welcoming the positive momentum and underscoring the shared ambition to significantly accelerate this growth. He also stressed that Morocco is far more than just a market, describing it as a strategic gateway benefiting from a unique geographic position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The Kingdom of Morocco, which has invested heavily in infrastructure, port facilities, renewable energy, and connectivity, has established itself as a leading hub for manufacturing, logistics, financial services, and technology, he said, encouraging Irish companies looking toward Africa to fully capitalise on Morocco’s increasingly important role as a regional gateway. 

“Morocco offers a sophisticated business environment and maintains strong institutional ties with the European Union,” Minister Buttimer stated. 

Participants at the conference attended several presentations by AMDIE highlighting Morocco’s strengths and the ongoing reforms undertaken by the Kingdom, which have helped reinforce solid macroeconomic fundamentals. The presentations also showcased major strategic investments aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive development across a broad range of sectors, including education, renewable energy, healthcare, transportation, industry, and infrastructure, as well as digital technologies and innovation.

Several thematic panels were also held on topics such as “Morocco as an Industrial Base for Europe: Opportunities in the Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing, and Export Sectors,” “Innovation, Talent, and Digital Transformation: Morocco’s New Growth Drivers,” and “Logistics, Connectivity, and Trade: Leveraging Morocco’s Global Positioning.”

Through this economic mission to Ireland, Morocco is reaffirming its determination to elevate Moroccan-Irish cooperation to a new level by fostering concrete ties between the business ecosystems of both countries and showcasing the many opportunities the Kingdom now offers international investors.

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Airport operator confirms three causes it will support in 2026

2025 fundraising exploits take daa’s total donations since 2007 to almost €5m

daa has committed €530,000 to our three charities following 12-months of fundraising activities by our employees.

The amount raised was announced at a special event marking the conclusion of the 2025 Charity of the Year programme and the introduction of our 2026 Charity Partners.

Each of the 2025 charities – CRITICAL, Good Shepherd Cork and Little Blue Heroes – will receive a donation of around €176,500. These charities were chosen by our people at the start of 2025.

€265,000 was raised through employee fundraising initiatives and passenger donations across Cork and Dublin airports over the course of the year, which was then matched euro for euro by daa as part of its Charity of the Year programme. 

Speaking at the event, Miriam Ryan, daa Chief Governance and Strategy Officer & Company Secretary, said:

“Raising €530,000 for our Charity Partners is something we are all incredibly proud of. It reflects the creativity and commitment of our people right across Dublin and Cork airports, as well as the kindness and generosity shown by our passengers and colleagues who supported fundraising efforts throughout the year. 

From employee led events and challenges to simple, everyday actions like returning bottles through our recycling initiative, it has been powerful to see how small individual efforts came together to make such a meaningful difference. Knowing the impact this funding will have for these charities and the people they support makes the effort all the more worthwhile.”

Charity Partners announced for 2026

We also announced our three new charities for 2026, which were again selected by our employees following a process of nomination and voting. These are: Cancer Fund for Children, the Keeley D Foundation and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

Cancer Fund for Children provides emotional, social and therapeutic support to children and young people affected by cancer, as well as their families, helping them cope with the impact of diagnosis and treatment.     

The Keeley D Foundation is a non-profit organisation, with the sole aim of offering practical support to families of children and young adults being treated for palliative cancer at home.

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust assists families in repatriating loved ones who have died abroad, helping to ease financial pressure and providing compassionate support when it is needed most.

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Current CEO Frank Brennan finalises deal with co-investors to run the company

Republic of Work, the Cork-based co-working and innovation campus on South Mall, today announced that Frank Brennan, Chief Executive Officer, has acquired the business from its shareholders, Dan and Linda Kiely and co-founder Dave Ronayne. 

Frank Brennan has been involved in Republic of Work since its inception nine years ago. Dave Ronayne, who invested in the company in 2016, and Dan and Linda Kiely, who came on board in February 2020, have now sold their shares to Mr Brennan as part of the acquisition. Brennan is a long-time leader inside Republic of Work and was the first ever employee of the organisation, joining in its earliest days and helping to build it into one of Europe’s best startup communities.

Republic of Work was founded on South Mall in Cork in 2017 and has seen a rapid growth trajectory in that time, evolving into a dynamic, collaborative co-working space and innovation hub with five full-time employees and home to a diverse range of more than 170 companies. The acquisition marks a planned transition for Republic of Work following a period of sustained investment and strategic development.

Frank Brennan, CEO at Republic of Work said, “I’m delighted to announce the acquisition after what’s been a remarkable journey so far. I was the first employee in ROW, so I’ve seen it go from grey carpets and white walls to the vibrant space that it is today. Over the last number of years I’ve been involved in scaling up operations, and, given the huge growth potential that still exists, I see this as an opportune time to take over the company and begin a new chapter.  Enterprise Ireland has a really ambitious drive for the next five years to support a thousand start-ups and ROW will be part of that mix.

“I am most grateful to Dan, Linda, and Dave for their input into ROW. During Covid, their vision and steady guidance helped keep the business afloat during a difficult time for the economy. Thankfully, post-Covid, the company soared with working from home policies in place and remote working a new chapter in employment.”

Frank Brennan pictured at the Republic of Work office on South Mall, Cork, where it was announced that CEO Frank Brennan has acquired Republic of Work as part of a management buyout.

Entrepreneur, Dan Kiely, said, “Linda and I backed Republic of Work because it matters: Cork has so many ambitious founders, and founders need community, momentum and the right environment to build. Republic of Work has consistently delivered that, through good times and very challenging ones. Frank is the ideal next owner: he understands the DNA of the place because he helped create it. We’re proud of what Republic of Work has become, and we’re excited to see Frank take it forward. Linda and I are so  proud to have been part of this journey over the last few years. We have seen some amazing companies born here who have gone onto great success on the international stage and created a lot of jobs in the local economy.”

Dave Ronayne, CEO of Irish Mainport, said, “We have been on an exciting journey with ROW. It’s been fascinating to see the trajectory of the organisation over the last few years. Cork is a dynamic county with a lot of talent. I wish Frank the best of luck with ROW and I look forward to seeing it develop and grow even further.”

Republic of Work was listed in the top 50 of Europe’s best startup hubs by The Financial Times ranking Top 10 in UK & Ireland and Top 2 in Ireland last year. The organisation is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and is acting as an accelerator for a number of emerging Cork companies.

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New collaboration to streamline compliance, reduce delays, and improve safety outcomes across infrastructure and construction projects

EHS International, a leading Irish provider of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) solutions headquartered in Cork, has announced a strategic partnership with Cinnte Safety, Ireland’s foremost provider of Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) services and training. 

The collaboration strengthens EHS International’s service portfolio by offering clients a comprehensive, expert-led solution for safe, compliant, and efficient traffic management across construction, infrastructure, utilities, and public sector projects. Together, the two companies will provide an end-to-end offering — from impact assessments and site-specific TM design and planning to audits, inspections, and accredited TTM training — all aligned with current Irish legislation. 

The partnership aims to streamline compliance, reduce delays, and improve planning outcomes while supporting safer worksites and stronger operational performance. Clients will benefit from the combined experience of two industry leaders — with EHS International operating from offices in Cork, Dublin, Belfast, and London, and Cinnte Safety headquartered in Dublin — committed to delivering trusted, high-quality safety services nationwide.

Chris Mee, Founder and CEO of EHS International, commented: “This partnership with Cinnte Safety is an important step in expanding the breadth and depth of services we offer to clients. As infrastructure and construction projects become more complex, traffic management has become a critical component of site safety and regulatory compliance. By combining our national reach with Cinnte’s unrivalled expertise, we’re delivering a single, integrated solution — making it easier for clients to operate safely, meet their legal obligations, and improve project outcomes.”

Barry Bessant, Managing Director at Cinnte Safety, added: “Partnering with EHS International gives us the opportunity to scale our proven approach to temporary traffic management while maintaining the high standards our clients rely on. From planning consultancy and audits to training and implementation, this collaboration allows us to support projects of all sizes with the same technical rigour and safety-first mindset. We’re proud to work with a partner that values quality, compliance and continuous improvement as much as we do.”

This new partnership builds on EHS International’s ongoing mission to deliver integrated, technology-enabled safety services that help organisations operate responsibly, safely, and efficiently.

For more information, please visit ehsinternational.com

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Comyn Kelleher Tobin announces key partner promotions and COO Appointment in addition to Dublin and Cork office expansions

Comyn Kelleher Tobin (CKT), one of Ireland’s fastest-growing law firms, has announced a series of strategic appointments and promotions as part of its ongoing expansion across Cork and Dublin.

Over the past two years, the firm has grown its solicitor team by 28%, made five new partner appointments, and doubled the capacity of its Cork office to meet rising client demand across litigation, health and social care, employment, infrastructure, property, and advisory law.

The firm has said these latest appointments, including the appointment of Patricia Finn as Chief Operating Officer, reflect CKT’s commitment to operational excellence, leadership strength, and the development of Ireland’s next generation of legal talent.

“CKT’s consistent growth is a reflection of our high standards, the strength of our team, and sustained demand across our core practice areas,” said Patrice O’Keeffe, Managing Partner of CKT.

 “Our new appointments not only strengthen our expertise in key sectors but also position the firm to continue supporting clients across Ireland and internationally. At CKT, our people are our most important asset, and we remain committed to developing the next generation of legal professionals,” Ms O’Keeffe added.

Key appointments to strengthen core practices

CKT Legal has promoted Barry Kelleher to Partner in the firm’s Litigation and Healthcare Regulatory teams. Barry, who joined CKT as a trainee in 2013, advises on healthcare litigation and regulatory matters. He has extensive experience advising public sector clients on statutory obligations and statutory interpretation, public, administrative, constitutional and EU law. Known for simplifying complex legal matters for our clients, he is a valuable member of the CKT team.

Conor White has also been appointed Partner in the firm’s Employment team,  providing strategic guidance on employment law, data protection and regulatory matters within the health and social care sectors. He regularly represents public and private sector clients, including multinational employers, before the Workplace Relations Commission, the Labour Court, and the Civil Courts.

Patricia Finn joined CKT as Chief Operating Officer (COO) last month. Patricia brings over 20 years of leadership experience, previously serving as Group Director Legal, Privacy and Treasury at Org Group, a global professional services business. She will oversee the firm’s day-to-day operations, drive operational excellence, and support strategic growth initiatives across all practice areas.

Investing in talent and the local legal ecosystem

CKT Legal continues to invest in the development of Ireland’s next generation of lawyers. This year saw the firm’s largest ever intern intake, bringing the total number of trainees to 12.

The firm maintains strong relationships with University College Cork (UCC), University of Galway, and Dublin City University (DCU), offering placement opportunities, scholarships, and sponsorships for student events such as UCC’s bi-annual Women in Law Forum.

One-third of CKT’s partners began their careers at the firm as trainees, including the firm’s Managing Partner, Patrice O’Keeffe, highlighting a long-standing commitment to nurturing talent from within.

Looking ahead

The firm says it has plans to enhance its international capabilities through membership of Globalaw, one of the world’s top 10 legal networks, ensuring clients receive trusted legal support across multiple jurisdictions.

“I am delighted to share the news that Barry Kelleher and Conor White have been appointed as Partners — a well-earned recognition of their commitment, expertise, and the valuable skills they bring to CKT. Both have been instrumental in driving our firm’s growth and shaping its future direction, and I look forward to continuing our work together in their new roles.”

“With these appointments, Comyn Kelleher Tobin reinforces its national footprint, strengthens its core practice areas within the private and public sector, and underscores its commitment to excellence and innovation.,” Ms O’Keeffe concluded.

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Are you a music artist with a festive song that could help ‘Switch Christmas On’ across the nation this year?

Are you a musician or music fan who has written a jolly tune or recorded a cover of a Christmas classic that could help ‘Switch Christmas On’ across Ireland this year? Do you have a holiday melody that could sprinkle a little Christmas cheer? If so, Christmas FM wants to hear from you!

The nation’s go-to radio station for Christmas music has unveiled ‘The SPAR Christmas FM Song Contest’ for 2025 in an effort to discover the next Christmas hit that will help spread joy throughout the nation. The winning song will have the honour of being broadcasted to Christmas FM’s Irish and international fans along with the likes of Christmas superstars such as Wham!, Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé and more.

Fostering local talent, entrants from across the island of Ireland are asked to submit their application ahead of the closing date at 1pm on Friday, 28th November. It’s simple, all you have to do is write and record your very own Christmassy tune or a cover version and fill out the entry form here: www.christmasfm.com/songcontest.

Last year, ‘Merry Jolly Christmas’ by Siobhán McAleese, featuring The Magic of Christmas Kids, was announced as the overall winner. The song was written by Kells native, Siobhán, and it was a playful festive song for kids (and adults!) to enjoy at Christmas. The catchy chorus was inspired by Siobhán’s two children, Maisie and Dylan – and the stars of the song are The Magic of Christmas Kids.

Siobhán McAleese, winner of The SPAR Christmas FM Song Contest 2024, says: “It was a huge honour to be last year’s winner of the 2024 Christmas FM Song Contest and to hear my Christmas tune played on the station. Moreso, it was a lot of fun to record with The Magic of Christmas Kids and I was overjoyed I could create a song inspired by my two kids’. I strongly recommend anyone with a love for singing or music to throw their Christmas hat into the ring and give it a go! Who knows, you could be next.”

Walter Hegarty, Co-Founder of Christmas FM, said: “We are delighted to run ‘The SPAR Christmas FM Contest’ again for 2025. We love to encourage and inspire homegrown talent and this contest is a wonderful opportunity. From the classic singers like Elvis and Frank Sinatra, 70’s and 80’s nostalgia of Slade and Paul McCartney to pop icons Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande, Christmas FM is the festive music station that ‘Switches Christmas On’ across Ireland every year.”

Christmas FM will switch Christmas on in Ireland when it returns to the FM airwaves on the 28th November 2025 (subject to license) for its 18th year on air.  Broadcasting almost nationwide, the station plays round-the-clock Christmas music, spreading cheer and goodwill every single day in the run up to Christmas. The station is presented on air each year by up to 100 volunteers who devote hundreds of hours of their time assisted by a core management team. Meanwhile, the costs of running Christmas FM are covered by various sponsors, ensuring listener donations go directly to The Magic of Christmas fundraising initiative. This year the station’s FM sponsors are An Post, Cadbury, and Coca-Cola.

Christmas FM will also be broadcasting from Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley who have kindly donated their studio space again this year.

While Christmas FM returns to the airwaves on 28th November (subject to licence), it is streaming now online since November 1st at www.christmasfm.com, serving up a feast of merry tunes to get everyone in the holiday spirit – whether you’re in Ireland or jingling all the way from across the globe.

You can follow the station on social at: @christmasfm

Christmas FM – Bringing You the Magic of Christmas

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– Charities rank second after schools in terms of broad public trust, with Gardaí coming a close third –

– One in three personally know someone who has recently benefited from the work of a charity or community group –

Three in four people (75%) say that they broadly trust charities and community groups according to a new research report. Charities rank in second place after schools (82%), with Gardaí coming a close third (73%).

The report, Trust & Understanding: Public Confidence in Charities and Community Groups, was published by the We Act campaign ahead of International Day of Charity tomorrow, Friday September 5. It is based on a nationally representative survey of 1,000 people.

The We Act campaign is a collaborative initiative of The Wheel, Volunteer Ireland, Dóchas, the Disability Federation of Ireland and Boardmatch Ireland, aimed at championing the work of the charity sector.

Headline Findings
Among the key survey findings outlined in the report are:

• Public trust: When it comes to the most trusted organisations and institutions, 75% said that they trusted charities and community groups “a great deal” or “up to a point”, coming second after schools which scored 82%, and ahead of Gardaí who scored 73%. As for the types of charities most trusted, small charities come out on top at 74%, followed by medium and large organisations at 67% and 63% respectively. The older and younger generations were the age groups that had the most trust in charities with four in five (82%) of those over 65 years, 79% of those age 16-24 and 78% of those age 55-64 expressing support.
• Valued, quality services: almost four in five people (78%) “value the work” of the charity and community sector, two in three (67%) agree the sector “delivers high-quality services”, three in five (63%) that the sector is “professional and competent”, and more than half (57%) that the sector is “generally well-run and sufficiently regulated”.
• Local knowledge appreciated: More than two in three (71%) believe that “small charities and community groups understand the needs of the people they seek to help better than large charities/community groups”. Three in five (62%) agreed that “being local to where I live is more important to me than the size of the charity/community group”.
• Benefitting from charities: One in three (33%) said that they “personally know someone who has recently benefited from the work of a charity or community group” while one in seven (15%) said that they had themselves recently benefited from the work of a charity or community group. Those age 25-34 were most likely to know someone who had benefited (39%), while those age 16-24 were most likely to have recently benefited themselves (27%).

For We Act campaign manager, Claire McGowran, members of the public may not immediately realise how much they engage with charities each and every day:

“It is reassuring that over the past four annual surveys, public trust in charities is solid and stable, and three quarters of people surveyed have a good degree of faith in the work that charities and community groups do. It is not surprising that smaller charities, and those that offer services closer to home, are most likely to have the support of the public—their impact is always going to be more tangible when people can see it around them.

“When it comes to knowing someone who has benefited from the work of a charity, people may not immediately recognise when they are engaging with charities. However, when they go to the Zoo, attend an arts venue, get a Credit Union loan, adopt a dog, enjoy the hanging baskets around their town, benefit from an active retirement group, or access a Meals on Wheels service, then they are gaining from charitable endeavours.”

Other key survey findings include:

• Reasons for lending support: When it comes to the reasons for supporting charities, the top three drivers of support were “knowing the organisation is transparent with how it spends its money” (52%), “knowing the organisation is well-run” and “the organisation’s reputation” (both 51%).
• Prudence and professionalism: People trust smaller organisations the most with how they spend money, with only 11% thinking smaller charities and community groups are “often wasteful in how they spend money”, compared with 27% for medium organisations and 57% for large organisations. However, smaller charities and community groups were seen as less professional, with just 28% viewing them as “usually quite professional in their approach”, compared with 47% for medium organisations, and 62% for large organisations.
• Duplication and mergers: as to possible duplication of services, 35% thought smaller charities often duplicate compared with 47% for medium charities and 39% for large charities, while approximately one in four respondents were unsure (24%). When it comes to mergers, 34% thought small charities should merge to cut costs and avoid overlap, with 43% for medium charities and 32% for large charities, while approximately one in four (27%) were unsure.
• Stop the Press: more than two in three (68%) reported not having seen, read or heard anything about charities in the media or on social media recently. A supporting survey of attitudes of 331 people working and volunteering in the charity sector itself found that four in five (83%) believe that journalists need to learn more about the charity and community sector, with almost one in two (47%) saying that their organisation finds it hard to get the media to cover their work, and approximately one in three (32%) believing that the media does not cover the charity and community sector fairly.

Claire McGowran, We Act campaign manager

Commenting on the lessons for charities and community groups, We Act campaign manager Claire McGowran adds:
“Of course, more needs to be done to communicate the good work of charities big and small. Smaller charities can perhaps point out how they are also regulated by the Charity Regulator, and have the same levels of compliance and reporting as larger charities, although the burden can be significant based on the resources available to them. Meanwhile, larger organisations can highlight the significant work that goes into ensuring accountability and demonstrating transparency in using public funds.

“As for the views expressed around duplication and mergers, these vary depending on the size of the charity and do not seem to negatively impact the trust held. There are benefits to having a diverse range of charities where, for example, a charity may be providing a service locally that is offered elsewhere, but it means people do not have to travel for support. Of course, it makes sense to pool resources where possible, and there is already a huge amount of collaboration in our sector that often goes unseen, with groups getting together to be more impactful.”

Responding to the results of the survey, Sorcha Killian, co-founder of Hygiene Hub, notes the focus of respondents on delivering for communities:
“What stands out most to us is the finding that public trust is highest in smaller charities and community groups, which I think reflects the value that people place on closeness and community presence. Hygiene Hub is now a medium-sized organisation, having grown from three people in one Dublin community, to a national charity with 11 hubs and more than 150 community partners. Our hub model is what allows us to keep that closeness even as we scale. Each hub is locally embedded, working through schools, family resource centres and community groups, that people already know and trust. People experience our work in familiar spaces, so while we have national reach, the interaction still feels personal and local.

“Being medium-sized also means that we have more stable infrastructure and stronger networks, which allows us to deliver consistently and sustain our work over time. It’s the best of both worlds, combining the local trust of a small group with the steadiness and reach of a medium one.

“We recognise the concern about duplication and we know that, in some cases, mergers can be the right step. However, I believe the sector is stronger when charities complement each other and work to provide wrap-around support. Our approach has always been to embed our services within existing organisations, not to run parallel services. We partner with schools, refuges, youth services, community centres, and more, strengthening what already exists rather than duplicating it. This way of working means collaboration is central, not optional.” 

The report, Trust & Understanding: Public Confidence in Charities and Community Groups, can be found here: www.weact.ie/media 

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Christmas FM also announces new pledge to raise over €1,000,000 through ‘The Magic of Christmas’ fundraising appeal in the next three years

Are you and your classmates Christmas FM fans? Can you imagine the excitement of being the stars of the launch of Christmas FM this year?

Well – one very lucky primary school class will get the chance to do just that! Christmas FM, the festive radio station that raises funds for charity, has unveiled its ‘Switch Christmas On’ competition which offers one lucky class the opportunity to mark Christmas FM’s exciting return to the airwaves later this year!

The winning class will star in the official Christmas FM 2025 photoshoot, where Christmas FM will come to your school and let your class take the spotlight. On launch day, the winning class will countdown the station returning to the airwaves. Our inaugural winners – Third Class at St. Saviour’s National School in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow enjoyed their moment to shine in 2024, recording their countdown and capturing all the fun and excitement of the day.

The competition is open to primary school classes nationwide (terms and conditions apply) and closes at 10am on Monday, 22^nd September.

To be in with a chance to win this unforgettable opportunity, teachers and schools can apply here https://christmasfm.com/switchchristmason/.

Christmas FM is also delighted to announce its pledge to continue its fundraising appeal, The Magic of Christmas. Thanks to the kind donations made by the wonderful Christmas FM listeners, the initiative successfully reached its fundraising target of €1,000,000 between 2022 and 2024 for charity partners Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and a range of children’s charities across Ireland making a difference in local communities through Community Foundation Ireland. The Magic of Christmas appeal is now continuing with the same children’s charity partners, and an aim to raise over €1,000,000 in the next three years.

The funds raised will help vulnerable children in our communities who are living with the impact of poverty, abuse, neglect, or bereavement, and will also support children whose lives are affected by serious illness. By giving to The Magic of Christmas, you’ll be making a real difference – bringing hope, care, and vital support to those who need it most.

Since it began broadcasting 18 years ago, Christmas FM has raised over €4 million for a range of charities. By continuing The Magic of Christmas appeal, Christmas FM aims to build on this fundraising success and continue raising awareness of its charity partners’ vital work.

Paul Shepherd, Co-Founder of Christmas FM, said: “At Christmas FM, it’s never too early for festive fun – and we’re bursting with excitement to ‘Switch Christmas On’ with the help of one extraordinary primary school class this year. It’s an unforgettable prize, and we can’t wait to see which class will grab the spotlight and kick off the festive season in style!

We’re also delighted to be continuing our partnership with Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and a range of children’s charities across Ireland making a difference in local communities through Community Foundation Ireland as part of The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal. We know we can count on our incredible Christmas FM listeners to support these charities and help us reach our target of over €1,000,000 in the next three years to make a difference for children who need it most.”

Commenting on The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal, the charity partners jointly said:“Since the launch of The Magic of Christmas initiative in 2022, the funds raised have made a significant difference to the lives of thousands of children across Ireland, and we are delighted to be a part of The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal again for the next three years. Such a positive impact is made on the lives of children and their families, thanks to the help of Christmas FM listeners. With the funds raised, we can ensure that those who need it most will experience the Gift of Childhood this Christmas, because every child deserves magic at Christmas.”

While Christmas FM returns to the airwaves on 28^th November (subject to licence), it will also be online from November 1^st, serving up a feast of merry tunes to get everyone in the holiday spirit – whether you’re in Ireland or jingling all the way from across the globe.

Christmas FM will launch on FM in 28th November (subject to licence), and will also be available online from November 1^st at www.christmasfm.com

You can follow the station on social at: @christmasfm

Christmas FM – Bringing You the Magic of Christmas

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