The Downpatrick & County Down Railway (DCDR) has been recognised for its efforts at the Social Enterprise NI Awards 2025.

They have been named Highly Commended in the Outstanding Team of the Year at the ceremony, which was held in Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel at Shaw’s Bridge.

The award goes to their Flood Recovery Team, who worked tirelessly to rebuild and repair to allow them to reopen in September 2024 following devastating flood damage at the end of 2023.

They were praised not only for their teamwork and resilience but also for their community impact, which saw them receive donations to get back on track.

They applauded the railway volunteers, staff, and trustees, who were unified in their goal, ensuring the future of Northern Ireland’s only full-size heritage railway was safeguarded.

One of the railway’s youngest operational volunteers, Shea McKee, was also recognised for their dedication. This nomination also highlighted how effective the railway’s training for its volunteers is.

“Being Highly Commended in such a strong field is a huge honour, and a real testament to what teamwork can achieve. Every single volunteer, trustee, and supporter played their part in bringing this railway back from disaster. We went from flood damage to full reopening in under a year — that’s an incredible achievement for any organisation, let alone one run almost entirely by volunteers.”

“It was a great night for the social enterprise sector, and we’re proud that two of our own were also recognised. I was delighted to be shortlisted for Leader of the Year, and we’re all incredibly proud of Shea McKee, who made the shortlist for Young Person of the Year. Even to be nominated alongside so many inspiring people and organisations shows how far the railway has come.

“This commendation isn’t just about getting trains running again, it’s about people, purpose, and persistence. What we’ve achieved as a team proves that when you put community and collaboration at the heart of everything, you can overcome almost anything.”

Robert Gardiner, Chairman of DCDR