Registration is now open for the Loughrea Friendly Business Awards Ceremony.

Behind every local business is a person — or a team — putting in the hours, building relationships, and contributing to the fabric of the community in ways that often go unseen.

These awards are an opportunity to recognise that effort and bring the Loughrea community together to celebrate it.

It’s not just about business success, but about connection, service, and the role local enterprises play in shaping a thriving town.

We warmly invite you to join us for an evening of recognition, networking, and community.

We look forward to celebrating with you.

A little extra magic this Easter Sunday.

This afternoon, JCI Galway members continued a very special tradition with a visit to St. Bernadette’s Ward at University Hospital Galway, and this year, we had not one… but TWO Easter Bunnies spreading smiles.

Spending time on the ward today was a powerful reminder that even small gestures can lift spirits, and that being present really matters.

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible staff at the hospital for welcoming us so warmly and for the amazing care you provide every single day.

This is what JCI Galway is all about — connection, contribution, and creating positive change in our community.

Happy Easter to all celebrating.

If you’d like to be part of a community that brings initiatives like this to life, we’d love to have you join us, get in touch to learn more.

There’s something powerful about being in a room where people are genuinely open to learning, sharing, and connecting.

Last Thursday, JCI Galway members attended Network Smarter, Not Harder, hosted by Galway Chamber, supported by Galway Executive Skillnet, and hosted and sponsored by The Dean.

What made the evening particularly valuable was the combination of honest advice, real-world experience, and the opportunity to put learning into practice immediately. For young professionals, spaces like this offer more than exposure, they build skills, perspective, and the confidence to engage meaningfully in professional settings.

At JCI Galway, we believe growth happens when people come together to learn from one another and step outside their comfort zones. Events like this reinforce the value of community, shared learning, and intentional connection.

For those interested in being part of conversations like this and growing alongside a community of driven young professionals, you can learn more about becoming a JCI Galway member at jcigalway.org.

The Easter Bunny project helps to put a smile on children's faces with the Galway Easter Bunny visiting the University Hospital Galway & other venues on Easter Sunday. 

Packed with Easter Eggs and friends from our cos-play supporters, we have seen Captain America and many others in making this day a special one. The project dates back to past decades from JCI Galway.

JCI Friendly Business Awards

The Friendly Business Awards is our flagship business program where we recognise the pivotal role small businesses play in our local community. We live in challenging times for small businesses and the aim of the Friendly Business Awards is to celebrate the value these businesses bring to our local communities every day.

The Friendly Business Awards Categories:

• Community Impact
• Customer Care
• Digital Experience
• Disability Access
• Eco-Friendliness

Each JCI chapter then puts forward a short list of local winners to be considered for JCI National Friendly Business Awards, which will take place at the JCI Ireland National Convention.

Conditions:
Must be between the ages of 18-40
If successful must be able to attend the JCI Ireland National Awards final.