RWN CycleUp wins National Pride of Place Award
from the Roscommon People, November 2025
CycleUp Textiles wins National Social Enterprise Award for Climate and the Environment
October 2025
Roscommon Women’s Network’s upcycling social enterprise, CycleUp Textiles, has been named the winner of the Climate and the Environment category at the inaugural National Social Enterprise Awards, held on 15th October at the Priory Market in Tallaght, Dublin 24.
CycleUp began as a small group of volunteers from the Roscommon Women’s Network charity shop in Castlerea who were concerned about the amount of textile waste generated from unsold clothing. Determined to make a difference, they began upcycling these textiles into new, sustainable products — an initiative that has since grown into a thriving social enterprise based in Athleague, employing a team of 15 staff.
Since its inception, CycleUp and Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) have diverted over 8 tonnes of textiles from landfill through creative reuse and upcycling. The enterprise also provides education, training, and employment opportunities in sewing and sustainable design to marginalised individuals across Roscommon and the wider west of Ireland.
Representing CycleUp at the awards were Aisling Owens (Business Development Lead), Maria Hourigan (Product Creator), and Ahmad Abo Haileh (Product Creator), who proudly accepted the award on behalf of the team.
“This award is a huge recognition of the creativity, dedication and environmental impact of our team and community,” said Aisling Owens. “It highlights how a local initiative in rural Ireland can make a real difference on a national level.”
For more information about CycleUp Textiles and Roscommon Women’s Network, visit cycleup.ie and rwn.ie
Irish Country Magazine feature, June 2025
Step Into Something New: Athleague Camino & Dip Launches This July
CycleUp by Roscommon Women’s Network have announced the Athleague Camino & Dip, an exciting outdoor event taking place on Sunday, July 20.
The event will see participants embark on a 6km loop walk along the Suck Valley Way, starting and finishing at the Riverside Centre in Athleague. For those looking to embrace the full experience, there will be an optional refreshing dip in the water, offering a perfect way to cool down after the walk.
At the official launch event, Claire Finneran of Kepak joined staff from CycleUp Textiles to show support for this initiative, highlighting the importance of local engagement and community wellness. Kepak are proud sponsors of the Athleague Camino and Dip.
Participants will receive their very own Suck Valley Way Passport, which will be stamped on the day – a meaningful keepsake from the experience. Light refreshments will be provided, ensuring that walkers and dippers alike have a chance to relax and refuel after their journey.
Entry is priced at €20 for adults, €10 for youth 12-17 and €60 for family entry (2 adults & 3 youths), making this a wonderful event for families, friends, and individuals of all backgrounds.
Whether taking part for fitness, fun, or a personal challenge, the Athleague Camino & Dip is an opportunity to embrace the beauty of Roscommon while supporting local initiatives. Please note the event is suitable for children over 12 years old and no dogs are allowed on the route.
Funds raised from this event will directly support the Roscommon Women’s Network, which works to empower and uplift women across the county through education, training, advocacy, and community initiatives.
The proceeds will contribute to CycleUp Textiles, an innovative social enterprise that promotes sustainability and skill-building by upcycling materials while providing local employment opportunities.
Roscommon Women’s Network encourages everyone to take part. For more information or to register visit www.cycleup.ie/camino
Roscommon Herald and Westmeath Independent features, March 2025
CycleUp Textiles and Keelin Moncrieff – Growing Up podcast episode
Stitching a new future: empowering women through creativity and sustainability
In this inspiring episode, Keelin Moncrieff sits down with Nora Fahy, the manager of the Roscommon Women’s Network and the driving force behind CycleUp Textiles, a social enterprise that is transforming scrap fabric into one-of-a-kind bags and gifts. Nora shares the story of how CycleUp Textiles not only promotes sustainability by upcycling materials, but also serves as a stepping stone for women in the community, offering training in sewing, design, and textile skills to empower them and open doors to employment opportunities.
Learn about the powerful impact of this initiative on both the environment and the lives of women, as Nora discusses the journey of building the enterprise and the invaluable support they’ve received from the EU Just Transition Fund. This funding has played a crucial role in helping the organization expand its reach and further its mission of empowerment and economic inclusion.
Tune in for an insightful conversation about how creativity, community, and sustainability intersect in meaningful ways, and how social enterprises like CycleUp Textiles are making a difference.
This episode is proudly sponsored by the EU Just Transition Fund. To find out more about the help the EU Just Transition Fund offers around Europe, visit this website; https://www.emra.ie/eu-jtf/
#EUinmyregion
