Two Wexford groups honoured at All-Ireland community awards

Two community groups based in Wexford were honoured at the prestigious Pride of Place community awards on Saturday November 2nd at a Gala Ceremony..

The Rocks Community, Wexford Town, won the Urban Neighbourhoods & Housing Estates category, coming ahead of joint runners up Castlefen Housing Estate, Sallins, Co. Kildare, and Clonbalt Woods, Longford Town.

Speaking on the Wexford entry for the Rocks Community, the judges said:

“Three bodies – the GAA club, the local school and the family resource centre – underpin this entry. Their support and collaboration within the community are vital components for what makes it tick!

“The judges noted a particularly positive relationship with the council, a pilot energy retrofitting project, the school’s intergenerational initiative, great links with local businesses, summer camps, clean-ups and nutrition programmes – the list goes on. The pervasive get up and go attitude is remarkable.”

Elsewhere, Fethard, County Wexford came runner up in the Area with a Population of 1000-2000 category, losing out to Straffan, County Kildare.

The awards, hosted by RTE’s Brendan McArdle, took place in in front of 400 community volunteers from across the island in the Hillgrove Hotel. The awards were delivered in partnership with Monaghan County Council.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 22 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.

Winners of Category 13 Urban Neighbourhoods & Housing Estates, The Rocks Community, Wexford Town.

Runner-up in Category 3 Population Of 1000- 200 Fethard, Co. Wexford.

Cathaoirleach, Monaghan County Council, Cathy Bennett, said:

“We are honoured as one of the smallest local authorities on the island to have been entrusted by Co-operation Ireland and IPB Insurance to host this year’s Pride of Place Awards.

“In keeping with the county’s tradition of quality food production, we proudly showcased the best of Monaghan fare at the gala dinner which accompanied the awards ceremony. Entertainment was provided by composer Jamie Duffy, who at the tender age of twenty-two already has a number one streaming single under his belt.

“In addition to the main event, Pride of Place awards attendees received complimentary passes to the world premiere performance of ‘The Butcher Boy’ author Pat McCabe’s new play, “Little White Lies” on Friday night

“We enjoyed sharing our little corner of the country with communities from all over Ireland.”

Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said:

“After 22 extraordinary years, our judges still never cease to be inspired by the wonderful achievements of the fantastic communities nominated by their local council to represent their place in these prestigious awards.”