Community
WATCH Employability Limerick Inclusion Awards celebrates employers who recognise inclusive employment
The inaugural EmployAbility Limerick Inclusion Awards took place at the Clayton Limerick on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Pictured are TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane (4th from left) Alison Quinlivan, EmployAbility client (5th from left), Minister Dara Calleary (centre), Ursula Mackenzie, EmployAbility Limerick (7th from left) and other TUS staff. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Limerick’s leading employers gathered for the 2026 Employability Limerick Inclusion Awards, recognising organisations making a real difference in workplace inclusion
Limerick’s leading employers gathered on Thursday, February 19th for the Employability Limerick Inclusion Awards, recognising organisations making a real difference in workplace inclusion. An independent panel of judges selected six employers from dozens of applications for their outstanding effort and dedication to inclusivity.
The awards gave employers the chance to share their stories about how they champion inclusive hiring and support staff who may have a disability, health condition, or other barriers to employment.
Ursula Mackenzie, Manager of EmployAbility Limerick, said, “The hope is that these awards will really highlight the employers doing an amazing job at making workplaces inclusive and give us the opportunity to celebrate businesses that are making a real difference. We work with the job seekers who have a disability or a health condition to help them find and keep a job, but we also work with the businesses in our community as well to help companies become more inclusive. Bridging the gap between people who are unemployed, people with disabilities, in comparison to those adults who don’t have a disability.”
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
The morning began with networking over tea and breakfast, followed by opening remarks from MC Dr Gillian Barry of TUS, Ursula Mackenzie, Manager of Employability Limerick, who highlighted the importance of creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. A special address from Minister Dara Calleary reinforced the impact of inclusive employment on individuals, organisations, and communities.
Awards were presented across five categories. The Emerging Inclusive Employer award went to Dochas for their dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment for all staff. The Disability Inclusive Advocate award was presented to The Manor Fields in Adare for their outstanding contributions to supporting employees with disabilities. Northern Trust received the Excellence in Inclusive Recruitment award, celebrating their commitment to fair and equitable hiring practices. The Urban Co-op was named Inclusive Employer of the Year, reflecting their ongoing efforts to embed inclusion across all areas of the organisation. Finally, the Workplace Inclusion Award was presented to Cook Medical, recognising their exemplary approach to cultivating a welcoming and accessible workplace. A special award was also presented to Kilmartin Educational Services by the employability team, celebrating their exceptional efforts in supporting their clients.
A panel discussion shared best practices for fostering diverse, accessible workplaces, with compelling client stories highlighting that true inclusion goes beyond securing a job—it’s about creating a genuine sense of belonging and opportunity within the workplace.
The event concluded with a closing address from Eddie O’Shaughnessy, IPS Job Coach, Anna Rooney, Employability Chairperson, and Ursula Mackenzie, encouraging employers at all stages of their inclusion journey to share their stories and continue driving positive change.
Ursula added, “ The awards recognise and support and encourage employers within the Limerick city and community to do a bit more in the space of workplace inclusion, to be able to share the stories. What we’re trying to achieve is for companies out there to apply for the awards to put themselves forward. But also to encourage the engagement of people with disabilities and get people into work.”
Employability would like to thank the event’s sponsors for their generous contributions, especially key partners TUS, Cosgrave Nursing Homes, Optima Financial, Midwest Mentoring and DSM.
Full details about the Employability Limerick Inclusion Awards are available at employabilitylimerick.ie and across all employability Limerick social media channels.
Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
The Gaggle Podcast helps West Limerick youth find their voice
The Great Limerick Bake Off brings live cupcake decorating competition in support of Down Syndrome Limerick on March 26th
Limerick Early Music Festival 2026 explores masks and masques from March 18 to 22
PHOTOS True: A Celebration of the Work of Billy Hayes opens at People’s Museum of Limerick up to Sunday, March 8
WATCH Clarenbridge Garden Centre is perfect destination to find unique and special gifts this year for Mother’s Day
5 events in Limerick this weekend, March 6 – March 8
Volunteer tradespeople unite to deliver home renovation project for 11-year-old Alex
‘DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland’ rallying the troops for Westbury visit from March 23 to April 1
PHOTOS More than 2,400 supporters take part in the 2026 Milford Care Centre 10km Run/Walk
