DCU Age-Friendly University

Intergenerational Solidarity Awards 2026 Celebrated at DCU

29/04/2026

On the EU Day of Intergenerational Solidarity and Cooperation between Generations, the awards brought schools, youth groups, and community partners to DCU to celebrate projects connecting younger and older generations across Ireland.

Dublin City University’s Age-Friendly University (AFU) Initiative was delighted to host the Intergenerational Solidarity Awards 2026 on the DCU Glasnevin Campus, bringing together schools, youth groups, and community participants from across Ireland to celebrate outstanding intergenerational initiatives.

The Intergenerational Solidarity Awards 2026 align with the goals of the EU Day of Intergenerational Solidarity and Cooperation between Generations, championing a future where all ages connect and thrive together.

Now running for over a decade, these annual awards recognise projects that foster meaningful connections between younger and older generations through creativity, learning, and shared experiences. This year’s event once again highlighted the transformative impact of intergenerational engagement within schools and communities.

We would like to congratulate the winners and thank all entrants & the judging panel.

The recipients were presented with their awards earlier today at a ceremony on DCU’s Glasnevin Campus. At the ceremony, AFU Coordinator, Dr. Christine O’Kelly spoke about how intergenerational engagement can strengthen communities, promote mutual understanding, and create lasting social impact.

Award Winners

Primary School Awards

Gold Award – St Paul’s Primary School, Roscommon
Silver Award – Bunscoil Rís / Edmund Rice Senior School

Secondary School Transformational Awards

Platinum Award – Dominican College, Galway
Gold Award – KH Community, King’s Hospital School
Silver Award – Maynooth Community College
Bronze Award – Ard Scoil Phádraig

Secondary School Business Award

Platinum Award – St Patrick’s Comprehensive School

Youth Group Awards

Gold Award – 2nd Port of Dunmore East Sea Scouts

Participants travelled to DCU for the ceremony, with many schools also bringing additional contributors involved in their projects, including nursing home residents, volunteers, and community members. Attendees also had the opportunity to take part in a guided campus tour, further enhancing their experience of university life.

The Intergenerational Solidarity Awards continue to demonstrate the importance of collaboration between schools, communities, and older adults in building a more inclusive and age-friendly society. The AFU team was delighted to host such an inspiring group of participants and looks forward to welcoming even more schools and organisations to the Intergenerational Solidarity Awards 2027.