Worthy recognition for project that brought a Mayo town together

The Bee Kind project, initiated by Variety Ireland, the children's charity, and Castlebar Tidy Towns, has been chosen for a Mayo People of the Year award.

The biodiversity and inclusivity initiative brought together 60 community groups with people of all ages, abilities and religions to plant 100 heritage apple trees in Castlebar.

It was supported by Mayo County Council, Midwest Radio and The Connaught Telegraph, who came together to share an important message of the importance of kindness to ones self, to community, nature and others.

The project was important for social inclusion as it fulfilled many of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals and all pillars of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The programme is being replicated by the largest sporting organisations in Ireland and the 100 trees are now a destination for families to visit and harvest the fruit.

The 31st Mayo People of the Year Awards will be presented at the gala banquet in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar, on Friday night, November 21.

The event is organised by RehabCare, Mayo County Council and The Connaught Telegraph.