Sligo has been chosen as the European Volunteering Capital for 2017.
Winners for the past three years were Barcelona, Lisbon and London.
The CEO of Sligo County Council Ciaran Hayes told a meeting this morning that it is the first time an urban centre with the population of Sligo has achieved this distinction, so it was quite important.
Ciara Herrity, manager of Sligo Volunteering Centre, in a presentation to councillors, outlined details of the award.
She says it will be a boost for both volunteers themselves and the town of Sligo:
