The GALAS, Ireland’s annual awards ceremony honouring the LGBTQ+ community, hosted its 2025 edition on Saturday, October 4. Organised by the National LGBTQ+ Federation (NXF) and GCN, the event boasted 15 categories as well as two special Lifetime Achievement recognitions, celebrating outstanding accomplishments in areas like activism, arts, allyship, sports, journalism, business and more.

The ceremony was housed in the fabulous Dublin Royal Convention Centre at the Radisson Blu Hotel, and proceedings were led by the hilarious I’m Grand Mam duo, PJ Kirby and Kevin Twomey. Together, they expertly guided attendees through the night, presenting each award recipient with their trophy to thunderous applause.

During the event, the hosts were joined on stage by some fabulous performers, including Glória LGBT+ Choir, who received a special award in recognition of their 30th anniversary. Elaine Mai and MayKay also performed, while Mother DJ Glamo provided dancefloor hits once the ceremony concluded. The event saw the rainbow community show up in style to celebrate their queer comrades and allies, serving looks encompassing stiletto boots, power suits and everything in between.

Perhaps the biggest honour of the night, Person of the Year, was awarded to Paula Fagan. Earlier this year, she stepped down as CEO of LGBT Ireland after 12 years of service, leaving behind an incredible legacy of progressing rights and inclusion for LGBTQ+ people across the country.

Two Lifetime Achievement awards were also presented as part of The GALAS 2025. The first went to outgoing President Michael D. Higgins for his commitment to working towards an Ireland where everyone can live authentically and freely. The other went to the late Siobhán O’Dowd, who was a founder of LINC (now LINQ Ireland) and a tireless activist in Cork’s LGBTQ+ community. The accolade was accepted by her wife, Tina.

After the ceremony, Chair of the National LGBTQ+ Federation (NXF), Anna Nolan, said, “As Chair of the NXF, it’s always incredibly exciting to host The GALAS alongside GCN. It’s an honour to bring the LGBTQ+ community and our allies together for a wonderful celebration of their achievements over the last year, and I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to all of the nominees and award recipients. Their vital work has contributed to making Ireland and the world a more inclusive and welcoming place for all. Thank you also to our sponsors and supporters, without whom this annual event would not be possible.”

GCN’s Managing Editor Stefano Pappalardo added, “We are delighted to host the 12th edition of The GALAS in partnership with the NXF. It’s always such a joy and a privilege to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible achievements of individuals, community organisations, and companies who continue to make Ireland and the world a better place for our community. A big thank you to our sponsors, supporters, our friends at Catapult, the shortlisting organisations, our wonderful hosts PJ & Kevin, and everyone who made this wonderful event possible. We are especially grateful, as The GALAS also serve as a vital fundraiser for GCN, ensuring we can continue our mission as Ireland’s national LGBTQ+ media. Huge congrats to all the winners and those shortlisted, we hope you had a fantastic night!”

The full list of nominees and award recipients of The GALAS Awards 2025 is as follows:

Community Organisation (Volunteer Staff)
Sponsored by An Post
Letterkenny Pride
LGBT+ Restorative Justice Campaign
Mayo Pride
Trans & Intersex Pride Dublin (Award recipient)

Community Organisation (Paid Staff)
Sponsored by Dublin Bus
Belong To
GOSHH (Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health, HIV) (Award recipient)
LINQ Ireland
Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre

Volunteer of the Year
Sponsored by Accenture
Gemma Cooney (Award recipient)
Jude Copeland
Mark Armstrong
Richie Fagan

Event of the Year
Sponsored by Catapult
Dublin Dyke March 2025
GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival 2024
Queer Sheds / Faoin Tuath 2025
Roscommon Pride 2024 (Award recipient)

Joe Drennan LGBTQ+ Young Trailblazer
Sponsored by Community Foundation Ireland
Eoin Murphy
Fiachra Kennedy
Jenny Maguire (Award recipient)
Lavender Jane Gartlan

Emerging Journalist
Sponsored by Coimisiún na Meán
Azmia Riaz
Christine O’Mahony
Conor O’Carroll (Award recipient)
Mia Poland

Sports
Sponsored by Sky
Fionn Collins
Frontrunners & Briskwalkers Cork (Award recipient)
James Curry
Pink Ladies+ Hockey Club

Noel Walsh HIV Activism
Sponsored by Mother
Bill Foley (Award recipient)
Dr Erin Nugent
Poz Vibe Tribe
Rebecca Tallon de Havilland

LGBTQ+ Ally
Sponsored by Broadlake
Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe
Dr Claire O’Connell
Jeanne McDonagh
Mammies for Trans Rights (Award recipient)

Outstanding Company (50+ Employees)
Sponsored by KPMG
Catapult (Award recipient)
Children’s Health Ireland
Crosscare
eBay

Outstanding Small Business (Less than 50 Employees)
Sponsored by MoveHome
Adonis Flower Designers (Award recipient)
Bombshell’s Pole
Entheos Ireland
Insight Matters

LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group
Sponsored by Dublin City Council
Aer Lingus Proud Flies
EY Unity Network
INTO LGBT+ Teachers’ Group (Award recipient)
Pride@Accenture

Arts & Entertainment
Sponsored by Belong To
Dublin Gay Men’s Chorus
Gearóid Farrelly & Stephen Vincent
Nazlı Yıldırım (Award recipient)
The Wild Geeze

International Activist
Sponsored by ICCL, Amnesty International, Front Line Defenders and NXF
Joya Sikder
Viktória Radványi (Award recipient)

Person of the Year
Sponsored by EY
Dave Thomas
Jenny Maguire
Lynda Sheridan
Paula Fagan (Award recipient)

Lifetime Achievement
Michael D Higgins
Siobhán O’Dowd

Set up in 2009, The GALAS is organised by the National LGBTQ+ Federation (NXF) and GCN. It serves as GCN’s largest fundraising event, allowing it to continue its legacy as Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.

The GALAS 2025 would not have been possible without the support of all organisers, contributors, attendees and sponsors. A special thank you goes to our platinum sponsors Catapult, Coimisiún na Meán, Dublin Bus, Dublin City Council and Sky; our sponsors Accenture, An Post, Belong To, Broadlake, Community Foundation Ireland, EY, KPMG, Mother and MoveHome; and our supporters Adult Autism & ADHD, Amnesty International, Creative Technology, Diageo, Drag & Draw, Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride, Front Line Defenders, Glorious Ceremonies, Irish Council for Civil Liberties, Nassau Clinic, National LGBTQ+ Federation, Public Service Credit Union and We The People.