Limerick City and County Council’s Strategic Place Marketing team has been named the Public Sector Social Media Team of the Year at the prestigious Sockies 2026 Social Media Awards.
The success reflects the team's work in showcasing Limerick to audiences at home and abroad, promoting tourism, investment and education and strengthening pride in the city and county.
Their campaigns and initiatives include the hugely successful Golf Limerick, showcasing Limerick as a premier golfing destination ahead of the 2027 Ryder Cup; Limerick Student City, promoting the city as a vibrant place to study, live and socialise and Limerick on Foot, encouraging people to explore the city and county’s walking and hiking trails. They also introduced the world to the much-loved Val the Viking, bringing Limerick’s history and heritage to life for younger audiences, among other place brand initiatives.
The Sockies Social Media Awards celebrate excellence in social media and digital engagement, and this award recognises the Council's strategic approach to storytelling, community engagement, destination marketing and place promotion across its digital platforms.
In addition to winning Public Sector Social Media Team of the Year, the Council's Limerick.ie Instagram account was also shortlisted in the Best Use of Instagram (Public Body) category for its authentic and community-focused approach to destination storytelling, while the "Limerick is Ready for Golf" video produced for the Golf Limerick campaign was shortlisted in the Best Video (Public Body) category.
Across a range of campaigns, the Council's Limerick.ie social media platforms have generated millions of views and engagements, helping position Limerick as a vibrant place to live, visit, work, study and invest.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran congratulated the team on their deserved award, saying:
"This award is recognition of the creativity, professionalism and ambition of the Strategic Place Marketing team. Through storytelling, imagery, video and engagement, they are helping showcase the very best of Limerick to audiences around Ireland and internationally. Their work plays an important role in supporting tourism, strengthening our reputation and building pride in our city and county."
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Tom Ruddle enjoys the content produced by the team and said:
“The Limerick.ie social media channels are informative and fun. On any given day you can expect to find content that showcases Limerick at its best, highlighting communities and local businesses, supporting major tourism, investment and educational campaigns and telling the story of Limerick. I’m delighted to see their hard work and innovative ideas being rewarded with national recognition. Congratulations to all involved.”
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, said the award reflected the growing importance of strategic communications in supporting the organisation's wider objectives.
"Our digital channels have become powerful tools for promoting Limerick, connecting with communities and supporting economic development, tourism and investment. To be recognised with a Public Sector Social Media Team of the Year award is a significant achievement and a testament to the talent, dedication and innovation of our Marketing and Communications team. The award reflects a consistent commitment to telling Limerick's story in an engaging, authentic and impactful way."
Limerick City and County Council thanks the awards organisers and judging panel and acknowledges the contribution of staff, photographers, videographers, content creators, community groups, businesses, tourism operators and partner organisations whose collaboration helps bring Limerick's story to life every day.