Mayo based community projects were honoured at the all-Ireland Pride of Place community awards on Friday the 7th of November in Limerick.
Achill Tourism first place in the Community Tourism Initiative category, with Cong Tidy Towns taking runner up place in the Area with a Population of 0-300 category, losing out to Rathanna Village in County Carlow.
Judges praised the hard work put in by the Achill Tourism team.
“The judges received a fantastic welcome to this well-known tourism destination on the Wild Atlantic Way, which is familiar the world over for its spectacular beaches and scenery. It also features in films but what is not known about it that it is an amazing example of a community supporting and fighting for its community life and its economy which is dependent on tourism income.
“The judges were very impressed with the strong emphasis on sustainability and community led growth through the local tourism company and its excellent leadership.”
The awards, hosted by comedian and broadcaster Dermot Whelan, took place in Limerick’s Strand Hotel, with 400 community volunteers in attendance.
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 23 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.
It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.
Paying tribute to the communities who were honoured on the evening, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said: “Limerick has been proud to welcome the IPB Pride of Place Awards. These awards are a celebration of community spirit and collaboration, and they shine a light on the people and projects that make our towns and villages into the places we call home. For Limerick to host this event is a testament to the resilience and creativity of our communities, with plenty of success across our city and county in these awards over recent years. We are continuing to build a future rooted in pride, partnership and possibility in Limerick, while thriving on doing things differently.”
Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said: “After 23 years of these motivational awards recognising exceptional community endeavour, the judges continue to be inspired and humbled in equal measures, as they hear directly from the nominated communities their story of their pride in their place and the extraordinary work they are doing to ease the path of life for all the people in their place irrespective of date or place of birth, ability or wealth.”
Ian Jeffers, CEO of Co-operation Ireland said, “For more than two decades, Pride of Place has been a celebration of the people and communities. These awards recognise the strength, resilience and local pride that drives real change at grassroots level.
Their importance goes beyond the ceremony. Pride of Place continues to play a central role in Co-operation Ireland’s wider work to build positive relationships and deepen shared understanding between communities across the island. The ongoing success of the awards is thanks to the volunteers who give so much of themselves to the places they call home.”
John Hogan, Chairman, IPB Insurance said. “IPB Insurance is proud to sponsor the IPB Pride of Place awards alongside Cooperation Ireland and local authorities north and south. These awards honour the volunteers and communities whose dedication and teamwork make a real difference across the island of Ireland. Their efforts show what can be achieved when we work together with purpose and pride. I encourage everyone to celebrate and support these inspiring groups, and to get involved in building even stronger, more inclusive communities.”
