Angela Hayes, Founder of The Thomas Hayes Trust, Shortlisted for Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2026
Kilkenny, Ireland – April 2026 – Angela Hayes, founder of The Thomas Hayes Trust, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Social Entrepreneur of the Year (Community Impact) award at the IMAGE PwC Business Woman of the Year Awards 2026. This follows her recognition as Irish Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year 2025, reflecting her tireless dedication to transforming communities and supporting those most in need.
Angela’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Through The Thomas Hayes Trust, she has created spaces and programs that foster connection, hope and self-belief, particularly for people who have faced heartbreak, loss, or personal challenges. At the heart of this mission is Teac Tom, the Trust’s suicide intervention and mental health support project
Teac Tom provides vital support for individuals in crisis, offering outreach, guidance and a safe space for people to be heard and helped. Its impact is profound: countless lives have been saved, friendships and support networks formed and communities strengthened through understanding and care.
Beyond Teac Tom, The Thomas Hayes Trust runs initiatives designed to reduce social isolation and empower communities, including:
St Mary’s Cathedral Café, Kilkenny City – a welcoming community hub where people connect over conversation and community rather than commercialism.
Lus na Greine, Kilkenny’s new community centre – offering programs, education and a space for social engagement that strengthens community resilience.
Angela Hayes said, “This recognition isn’t just for me. It’s for everyone who has faced challenges and heartbreak, yet chose to keep going. Every story of courage, recovery and connection through Teac Tom and our community spaces inspires me daily. Seeing lives change, seeing hope restored, that is what this work is truly about.”
The IMAGE PwC Business Woman of the Year Awards shortlist will be celebrated in May 2026, recognising Angela alongside other women making a meaningful impact across Ireland.
Through her vision and leadership, Angela Hayes and The Thomas Hayes Trust continue to build resilient, connected communities, proving that compassion, support and social entrepreneurship can change lives.
For more information about Angela Hayes and the work of the Thomas Hayes Trust and Teac Tom, visit www.thethomashayestrust.com.
Media Contact:
Fiona ONeill
Business Support
The Thomas Hayes Trust
Email: Fiona.teactom@gmail.com
Phone: 0871318776