The Bray & District Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the resounding success of the Endeavour Awards 2025, which took place on Thursday, November 20th, at the prestigious Mermaid Arts Centre. The annual event was a magnificent celebration of the outstanding commitment, dedication, and achievements of individuals and groups who have made a significant contribution to the Bray community, continuing a tradition of recognition that began in 1981.
The Bray Endeavour Awards stand as a beacon of recognition for the tireless effort, innovation, and spirit that drives our town forward. They are a cornerstone event that highlights the unwavering community pride and exceptional talent flourishing across all sectors in Bray, from business and retail to arts, sports, and volunteerism. The awards evening serves not only to honour winners but to inspire future excellence and strengthen the bonds within the district by shining a spotlight on those who go above and beyond.
The Chamber extends its deepest congratulations to all the esteemed nominees across every category, whose efforts were crucial in making this year’s awards so competitive and reflective of the town’s vibrancy. Your remarkable contributions are the proper foundation of Bray’s success, and your nomination is a testament to the positive impact you have had on the lives of others in the community.
Jonathan Donnelly, President of the Bray District Chamber of Commerce, shared his pride in the evening’s festivities: “The Endeavour Awards are the highlight of our calendar, and this year’s ceremony was truly exceptional. To see such a depth of talent, commitment, and community spirit gathered in one room is incredibly uplifting. Every nominee, and certainly every winner, embodies the very best of Bray. Their dedication is what makes our district such a fantastic place to live, work, and visit. Congratulations to all.”
Endeavour Awards 2025 Winners
The 2025 Endeavour Awards celebrated the exceptional spirit of the Bray community, led by Dylan Kavanagh as Person of the Year for his tireless support of families facing health challenges through The Shauna Kavanagh Foundation, and Ken Doyle, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 50-year musical legacy with Bagatelle. Community guardians included Marcia Nicholson (Civic Award) for her devotion to the Bray Harbour swan colony, and the Bray Girl Guides (Volunteer Group of the Year), honoured for over a century of empowering young women. Mental health advocates Aisling Murphy & Oscar Ó Broin were named Volunteers of the Year, while the Bray Choral Society received a Special Recognition Award for 40 years of cultural contribution, and the Bray Walking Wanderers took the Community Award for fostering connection. In the business and service sectors, Egans Business Centre won Business of the Year for its decades of resilience, Pettitt’s SuperValu was named Retailer of the Year for outstanding service, Catalyst won Hospitality Venue of the Year for its sustainable ethos, and Catherine Fagan (Dargle Valley Pharmacy) was voted Customer Service Person of the Year for her compassionate care. Sports excellence was highlighted by Darren Reynolds (Sports Achievement) for his success as a professional caddy, while the future of Bray shines bright through Young Achievers Artur Otchenashchenko (musical resilience), Billy Corrigan (rugby excellence), Edward Harte (charitable musicianship), and Luke Cotter (community leadership).
Endeavour Awards 2025 Winners
The Chamber proudly presents the full list of winners for the Bray Endeavour Awards 2025, with the esteemed Person of the Year leading the recognition:
Name / Group | Award Category | Reason for Award |
| Dylan Kavanagh | Person of the Year | Recognised for his tireless dedication as CEO of The Shauna Kavanagh Foundation, providing essential, practical support (vouchers, phone credit) to individuals and families facing long-term health challenges, embodying the best of community spirit. |
| Ken Doyle (Bagatelle) | Lifetime Achievement Award | Honoured for his remarkable 50-year dedication to music in Bray. His contributions, especially as a founding member of Bagatelle, have shaped the local music scene and brought joy to countless people. |
| Egans Business Centre | Business of the Year | Celebrated for over six decades of innovation and resilience, evolving from the motor industry into a thriving hub for medical, wellness, and diverse local enterprises, making it a pillar of Bray’s economy. |
| Marcia Nicholson | Civic Award | Honoured for her profound compassion and dedication to the swan colony at Bray Harbour. She tirelessly cares for injured swans, educates the public, and is a vital guardian of Bray’s natural beauty. |
| Aisling Murphy & Oscar Ó Broin | Volunteer of the Year | Recognised for their compassion and commitment to youth mental health through Jigsaw Wicklow. Their advocacy, mentorship, and willingness to break ground (Oscar as the first male volunteer) have changed lives and given hope. |
| Bray Girl Guides | Volunteer Group of the Year | Celebrated for over a century of dedication to empowering girls and young women. Their leaders have given over 200 years of service, teaching practical skills, confidence, and kindness, shaping generations in Bray. |
| Bray Choral Society | Special Recognition Award | Honoured for celebrating 40 years of exceptional music-making, community spirit, and cultural contribution. Since 1986, their inclusive approach and diverse repertoire have greatly enriched Bray’s artistic life. |
| Darren Reynolds | Sports Achievement of the Year | Recognised for his behind-the-scenes excellence as a professional caddy, notably for Shane Lowry. His tactical acumen, steady support, and technical insight have been a cornerstone of Irish golf success and a source of pride for Bray. |
| Pettitt’s SuperValu | Bray Retailer of the Year | This Customer Choice award celebrates a business that consistently goes above and beyond to provide outstanding service, quality products, and a genuine commitment to the Bray community, acting as a vital cornerstone of local life. |
| Catalyst | Bray Hospitality Venue of the Year | Voted by the public as a true community hub and a force for positive change. They are dedicated to promoting a healthier, greener, and more sustainable lifestyle, embodying excellent local hospitality. |
| Catherine Fagan (Dargle Valley Pharmacy) | Customer Service Person of the Year | Customers consistently praise Catherine for her exceptional warmth, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to going above and beyond. She embodies the heart of community service, offering crucial advice and genuine care. |
| Bray Walking Wanderers | Community Award | Honoured for their positive impact on the community, fostering health, connection, and well-being through accessible walking and social activities. |
| Artur Otchenashchenko | Young Achiever | Celebrated for his perseverance, kindness, and musical talent. Arriving from Ukraine with little English, he quickly became a beloved, determined member of Presentation College, inspiring many with his spirit and gifted piano performances. |
| Billy Corrigan | Young Achiever | Recognised for his talent, discipline, humility, and heart in rugby. He has represented Ireland at U-18, U-19, and U-20 levels (Six Nations/World Rugby U-20 Championship) while balancing his degree and mentoring young players. |
| Edward Harte | Young Achiever | An extraordinary 16-year-old musician, recognised for his passion and heart. He has performed in prestigious venues and won the Stanford Prize, while his generosity shines through his fundraising concerts for UNICEF, raising thousands for charity. |
| Luke Cotter | Young Achiever | Embodies commitment, kindness, leadership, and community spirit. A dedicated leader at Bray Emmets and School Captain at Coláiste Ráithín, he inspires young athletes and volunteers, making him a true young leader. |
The success of the Endeavour Awards 2025 would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. The Bray District Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere gratitude to: AIB, AlphaCC, Aplus Service Centre, Ballymore Properties, bray.ie, Commscope, Condor Publishers, Finnegans Bray, George Maguire Properties, Helios Sauna, PTSB, The Royal Hotel, Teddy’s Ice Cream, and Wicklow County Council.
“The Bray & District Chamber of Commerce offers a big thank you to everyone who helped drive the success of the awards, from participating in the nomination process to supporting Bray’s business community. We proudly celebrate the very best of Bray — its people, its innovation, and its incomparable community spirit,” concluded Jonathan.
Pictured above are the 2025 Endeavour Award recipients — photo by Leigh Anderson.
About the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce Endeavour Awards
The Bray & District Chamber of Commerce Endeavour Awards have been a hallmark of community recognition since their inception in 1981. Established to honour individuals, groups, and businesses who have made significant contributions to Bray and the surrounding areas, the awards have grown into a prestigious event that reflects the spirit of civic pride and community excellence. Each year, the public is invited to nominate those who have positively impacted the local community, ensuring that the unsung heroes of Bray are acknowledged and celebrated. Over the decades, the awards have become a symbol of gratitude, highlighting the extraordinary efforts that keep the community vibrant and connected.
Event hashtags: #BrayEndeavourAwards #BrayHeroes #BestofBray #LoveBray