Headford on the Double

Pictured are Lisa O’Loughlin from GRD’s Rural Social Scheme and Headford Online with HADA, CEO of Galway Rural Development Steve Dolan, Oonagh McCutcheon from the Digital Towns programme, and the website designer Ruairi McNicholas.

Headford took the plaudits at the Digital Towns Awards in Athlone yesterday afternoon as they picked up the runners up award in two categories.

‘Headford Online – Smart Villages’ were recognised in the Digital Newcomer section for their interactive website, backed by Galway Rural Development and Saint Jarlath’s Credit Union, while Headford Lace Project secured the runners-up spot in the Digital Tourism section.

Galway Rural Development have warmly praised the Smart Villages committee, the designer Ruairí McNicholas, the team at Headford and Development Association, and all the people of Headford who contributed. CEO of GRD Steve Dolan said “All credit goes to the people of Headford. It’s been a terrific day and Headford was the only town in Ireland to be recognised in such a way. Credit too, to our friends in the Lace Project for the latest of many awards.

Headford Online is an interactive website that serves as a centralised hub for diverse content, including community news, local sports coverage, tourism highlights, historical insights, details on upcoming events, and more.

The initiative is the culmination of the Headford community’s dedicated efforts following successful Smart Villages training, where the project originated from community ideas generated during Smart Villages training, conducted by Galway Rural Development.

In addition, the Headford Lace Trail is an immersive heritage experience. Accessed individually with a smartphone and headphones, the outdoor walk features site-specific interviews, drama, and specially composed music and song to bring the past to life.