WATCH EmployAbility Limerick Inclusion Awards invites employers to recognise and celebrate excellence in inclusive employment

At the launch of inaugrual EmployAbility Limerick Inclusion Awards at the Hunt Museum on Thursday, September 25 were the staff of Employability Limerick – Aaron Tier, Lilla Kukor, Deirdre May, Edward O’Shaughnessy, Ursula Mackenzie, Harry Bugler, Anne Buckley, Paudie Coughlan, Catherine Doyle and Aine Shanahan. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

The inaugural EmployAbility Limerick Inclusion Awards invite employers to recognise and celebrate excellence in inclusive employment in the region

A large group of employers from across Limerick gathered at the Hunt Museum last Thursday for the launch of the inaugural EmployAbility Limerick Inclusion Awards. Opening for applications on Monday, October 6th, the awards aim to recognise and celebrate excellence in inclusive employment.

The awards give 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.

Speaking at the launch, 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.”

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Ursala told I Love Limerick, “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.”

Minister Patrick O’Donovan attended the event, reflecting on his own experiences of working at the highest levels of Government while managing an underlying condition. He spoke about the importance of language in shaping opportunities for people with disabilities and reaffirmed the need for supported employment. He also encouraged employers to engage with the awards and showcase the inclusive practices that are making a difference in workplaces across Limerick.

Adding the perspective of an employer, Edel McSorley of Mr Price Branded Bargains, and one of the external judges for the awards, shared how inclusive hiring has brought lasting benefits to their business.

The event was closed by Edward O’Shaughnessy, who thanked all attendees and encouraged employers to apply, “We really encourage all employers – whether you’re just starting your inclusion journey or already leading the way – to get involved, apply, and share your story. These awards are about celebrating your commitment, inspiring others, and showing the real impact of inclusive workplaces.”

Employers can find full details about the EmployAbility Limerick Inclusion Awards at employabilitylimerick.ie and across all Employability Limerick social media channels.

Speaking about the awards with I Love Limerick, Ursala 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.”

Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick