The GALAS have officially announced that the hilarious duo formed by Kevin Twomey and PJ Kirby, who brought us the hit podcast I’m Grand Mam, will be hosting the 2025 ceremony. With votes for nominees now open, this year is gearing up to be the most exciting celebration of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community yet.

Established to honour individuals, organisations and companies making meaningful contributions to LGBTQ+ life in Ireland, the GALAS will see the 2025 nominees celebrated in what promises to be a lively and heartfelt ceremony. This year’s hosts, Kevin and PJ, bring both humour and authenticity to the stage, qualities that have endeared them to listeners across the country.

Two lads from Cork, Kevin and PJ have built a loyal following through their podcast I’m Grand Mam, where they catch up over a cuppa and unpack the shared life experiences of growing up gay in Ireland. Their conversations blend comedy with insight, capturing the joy and complexity of navigating identity in today’s world, all through the lens of their signature question: “What would mam think?”

“We’re absolutely buzzing to be hosting the GALAS this year!” the duo shared. “It’s a full-circle moment for us, we were GCN cover stars in 2022, and now we get to honour the amazing people in our community who’ve made a difference just by being themselves. And with it being the 10-year anniversary of the Yes vote, it’s going to be a big one, girlies!”

Stefano Pappalardo commented on the announcement, saying: “The GALAS is a joyful celebration created by the community, for the community. With increasing threats against the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland and abroad, it is more important than ever to shine a light on the positive impact of the individuals, organisations and companies who advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and acknowledge their contribution to making Ireland and the world a better place.

“The GALAS also acts as the NXF and GCN’s main fundraiser of the year, allowing us to continue our vital work to inform, educate, platform, and connect the community, while advocating for a more equal society. We are delighted to be announcing PJ and Kevin as our wonderful hosts for the evening… this is a night you’re not going to want to miss!”

 

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The ceremony will highlight the winners across 13 award categories, each recognising unique and vital contributions to the LGBTQ+ landscape in Ireland. From grassroots activism to media representation and corporate advocacy, the awards serve as a reminder of the diverse efforts shaping a more inclusive society. Shortlists will be compiled by leading advocacy organisations following the public nomination process.

Nominations are open across a wide range of categories:

• Community Organisation of the Year – Paid Staff
• Community Organisation of the Year – Volunteer Staff
• Volunteer of the Year
• Event of the Year
• Joe Drennan LGBTQ+ Young Trailblazer Award
• Sports Award
• Arts & Entertainment Award
• Noel Walsh HIV Activism Award
• LGBTQ+ Ally of the Year
• Outstanding Company Award
• Outstanding Small Business
• LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group of the Year
• Emerging Journalist
• Person of the Year

As Kevin and PJ prepare to guide audiences as the official GALAS 2025 hosts, the message is clear: visibility, authenticity, and community remain at the heart of progress.

Voting for the 2025 GALAS nominees is now officially open – and your voice matters. Get your nominations in here.

Did you know that this Pride month you can support GCN by donating €1 when you shop online with PayPal? Simply select GCN at checkout or add us as your favourite charity* at this link to support Ireland’s free LGBTQ+ media.

*GCN is a trading name of National LGBT Federation CLG, a registered charity – Charity Number: 20034580.