Three community groups were celebrating well-deserved recognition at the 2026 IPB Pride of Place Awards, with one group receiving a Special Award and two others securing runner-up accolades at the prestigious ceremony.
Hosted by Dublin City Council at the Convention Centre on Saturday 24 October, the 2026 IPB Pride of Place Awards in association with Co-operation Ireland brought together over 800 volunteers, community groups and special guests to celebrate the great community work taking place across the island of Ireland.
On the night local group Glenanne Community Association was honoured with a Special Award in recognition of their work that celebrates local heritage and cares for the environment through shared spaces, green areas, community meeting points, volunteer clean-ups and environmental projects.
Portadown choir Just Sing was named runner-up in the Creative Communities Award, recognising its role in bringing people together through music, encouraging participation and creating a welcoming, shared experience. Meanwhile, Craigavon-based Chrysalis Women’s Centre was also awarded runner-up in the Community-Focused Wellbeing Initiative Award, in recognition of the opportunities it provides for support, personal development and meaningful connection for women in the local community.
Reflecting on this success, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd said:
“What an incredible evening recognising the remarkable work of volunteers and organisations that have such a positive impact across so many communities. Seeing four of our exceptional local groups shortlisted and three receiving recognition speaks volumes about the commitment, passion and hard work that exists within our own borough. It was a pleasure to celebrate their achievements on the night, and I would like to congratulate everyone involved.”
In total 63 awards, across 23 categories, including 29 winners and 34 runners-up were presented to the remarkable people behind the many inspiring projects – all of whom are making communities, villages, towns and cities, north and south, an even better, more cohesive, peaceful place to live, and work.
There were seven categories in the Cities section of the competition, 14 other categories, six special awards and a Council Award. The Special Awards were chosen from entries in all categories across the entire competition. Each winner and runners up were presented with a crystal trophy and a monetary prize.
The evening event was presided over by the former RTE broadcaster, Joe Duffy and saw Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Bannon deliver the welcome address, followed by speeches from Co-operation Ireland’s recently appointed CEO Stephen Dallas, Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council, Tom Dowling, Chairman of the IPB Pride of Place Awards and John Hogan, Chair of the Board, IPB Insurance.
Chair of IPB Insurance John Hogan said:
“In 1926, Ireland’s local authorities came together to create IPB on a simple belief that communities are stronger when they stand together. A century on, there is no better way to mark our centenary than by standing alongside the people who live that belief every day. Our long-term commitment to these awards, and the special bond we share with our local authority Members, grows from that same root. Great places are not found, they are made. They are made by the people who plant the flower beds, keep the hall doors open and check in on the neighbour down the road. The winners are helping to shape a shared island that reflects the very best of its people: generous, welcoming and proud of where they belong. That is a legacy worth protecting for the next hundred years.”
Stephen Dallas, the recently appointed CEO, Co-operation Ireland said:
“This is my first time at the IPB Pride of Place Awards. Stepping into the role, my first priority has been to see our mission in action on the ground and there is no better showcase than this incredible event. True peace and social cohesion are not built from the top-down, they are woven day-by-day by ordinary people doing extraordinary work in their local areas to make the island of Ireland an even better place, to live and work. When we talk about co-operation, cross border connection and reconciliation, we are talking about these projects. Congratulations to the winners and runners-up for your truly inspirational work.”
Charlie Flanagan, Vice Chair of Co-operation Ireland’s Board said:
“We are incredibly proud to partner with IPB Insurance during its centenary year to shine a light on the many achievements we have witnessed. The awards have been a profound reminder of the resilience, creativity, shared ambition and sheer human kindness that exists across the entire Island of Ireland. These awards toast more than just civic pride, they celebrate the quiet and determined leadership of individuals, volunteers and community groups whose work benefits us all. It has been a privilege to celebrate your success.”
In a joint statement, Daryl Barran, Lord Mayor of Dublin and Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council said:
“Across our neighbourhoods and communities, volunteers, community leaders and local organisations dedicate their time, energy and creativity to making a positive difference. The Pride of Place Awards provide a valuable opportunity to recognise and celebrate those efforts, highlighting the individuals and groups who strengthen communities, foster inclusion and enrich the lives of others. We are particularly proud of this year’s Dublin representatives and warmly congratulate all communities taking part in this year’s awards.”
Thanks to The Executive Office District Councils Good Relations Programme for their continued support with Pride of Place.
To learn more about the 2026 IPB Pride of Place Awards and check out all winners click here.
