Better Public Service Awards 2026

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Marie Mannion, Michael Mc Donagh & Bernie Doherty, BPS Awards 2026

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Better Public Services Awards. Nominee Day Photography at Collins Barracks. Date: 05-05-2026 Photographer: 1IMAGE/Bryan Brophy 1IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY Studio: +353 1 493 9947 Mob: +353 87 246 9221 (Bryan) 1image.ie Copyright: 1IMAGE Photography/Bryan Brophy©

Bryan Brophy©

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https://tinyurl.com/2nbbn79u

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BPS Awards Logo

Government of Ireland

Community Monuments Story Maps was one of thirty six projects shortlisted for the Better Public Service Awards 2026. Attending the ceremony at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin were Michael McDonagh, Chief Archaeologist, National Monuments Service, Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer, Galway County Council and Bernie Doherty, Galway Community Archaeologist.  Submitted by The National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Galway County Council the Community Monuments Story Maps showcase eight sites and monuments in the County of Galway that received funding through The Community Monuments Funds. Through digital story telling and innovation the story maps reach a wide audience through film, podcasts and mapping.

Innovation at Scale

This is a culmination of multi-disciplinary work on the ground with heritage specialists, communities, digital media innovators, Galway County Council and National Monuments Service. The story maps allow us to showcase that work in an accessible way. We are so delighted to be recognised and one of three shortlisted within the Category ‘Innovation at scale’.

This is a great example how to showcase our monuments and the work being carried out by professionals in safeguarding their future. Community Monuments Story Maps can be replicated nation-wide. It is a great example of how to promote our archaeological heritage.

Collaboration between civil and public service

The BPSA were formerly known as the Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards and have been a very special occasion in the civil service calendar for the last ten years. The awards have now expanded to include the wider public service this year – recognising the great collaboration between civil and public service and the stand-out projects that are delivering more for the people in our country. A total of thirty-six teams were shortlisted across twelve categories. See more via Government of Ireland Website 

Galway Community Archaeology Project is funded by Galway County Council and The Heritage Council