The prestigious IPB Pride of Place Awards, which recognises the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in community development, took place last weekend – with two groups from the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area bringing home awards on the night!
The gala ceremony took place in Limerick and saw four local groups shortlisted in what is now the largest competition in Ireland to acknowledge community development achievements.
Drumgor Detached Youth, based in Lurgan, took home first place in the Community Youth Initiative category, with judges praising the youth workers and the high-quality youth work service they bring to young people aged eight to 25 years. They particularly commented on how they deliver ‘tailored programmes including interactive workshops, social action projects and one-to-one mentoring sessions within local communities and schools, responding to the needs of the young people they support.’
Meanwhile, Armagh Pipers Club were named runners-up in the Creative Communities Award category.
Judges said the ethos of the club impressed them, commenting that ‘for almost 60 years it has promoted the idea of music as a shared heritage, and its resolutely anti-sectarian ethos is reflected in the representation of both main sections of the community among its students, its tutors and its nine-member board. We were hugely impressed with the commitment of the club and its members to keep alive, promote and teach traditional music and maintain links with other countries and regions that have strong traditions of Celtic and Folk music.’
Local groups Higher Ground and Verve were also nominated for awards.
Speaking on the night, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray said, “What a fantastic evening celebrating the inspiring contributions of volunteers and organisations who make such a difference to our community. Having four of our outstanding local groups nominated and two taking home awards is a true reflection of the dedication and passion that drives our community every day. I was delighted to celebrate their success with them on the night – congratulations to everyone involved!”
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.”
Cllr Catherine Slattery, Príomh Chomhairleoir, Limerick City and County Council, said: “The Pride of Place Awards are a powerful celebration of the people who make our communities thrive. We are especially proud to host this year’s event in Limerick and to see local groups like Thomondgate Residents Association, Templeglantine, Foynes Flying Boat Museum and The Local Hub Glenbrohane recognised for their outstanding contributions. These awards honour the spirit of collaboration, inclusion, and pride that defines community life across Ireland.”
Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly commented: “It was a tremendous honour for us to host the IPB Pride of Place Awards here in Limerick and I want to thank IPB, Co-Operation Ireland, the Pride of Place Committee and our own Council Staff who made this event such a success. Heartfelt congratulations to all of the winners and nominees for their remarkable dedication and creativity in enhancing the places we call home. Your efforts strengthen local pride, foster connection, and make Limerick and Ireland a better place for everyone.”
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.”
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.
Thanks to The Executive Office through the District Council Good Relations Programme for their continued support.
