The Marconi Men’s Shed in Clifden and the community of Clarinbridge have welcomed judges from the 23rd annual IPB Pride of Place competition, an all-island awards programme highlighting excellence in community development.
Nominated by Galway County Council, both groups are hoping to be among the winners at this year’s Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, which will take place at the Strand Hotel in Limerick on November 7th.
In Clifden, judges visited the Marconi Men’s Shed, a unique and pioneering initiative serving male family carers in the wider Connemara region. It is the first men’s shed in Ireland founded exclusively by male carers and has grown into a thriving community hub.
Supported by FORUM Connemara CLG, the group has transformed four outbuildings into a well-equipped facility, combining workshop and storage areas. The shed currently has over 50 members aged between 43 and 85, who meet regularly for a range of activities.
Projects include a woodturning workshop, a gardening initiative in the on-site polytunnels, and a strong focus on health and wellbeing. Members have taken part in Tai Chi, mindfulness courses, healthy eating programmes, physical activity sessions, and smoking cessation workshops. Many participants have reported significant improvements to their mental and physical health, demonstrating the project’s powerful impact on quality of life.
In Clarinbridge, judges were introduced to a broad range of initiatives led by the Clarinbridge Tidy Towns group, which has played a key role in community development since its foundation in 1979. The village, known for its scenic beauty, oysters, and hospitality, continues to thrive as a forward-looking and inclusive community.
The adjudicators toured key local landmarks, including The Green, Parish Hall, Kilcornan Estate, and the Cowpark/Kilcornan Walking Trails, all of which reflect the community’s long-standing commitment to heritage, environmental protection, and social engagement.
Clarinbridge Tidy Towns collaborates with a range of local groups, including the Clarinbridge Men’s Shed and SCCUL Sanctuary, to promote wellbeing and community cohesion. Annual events like Clarinbridge Market Day and Halloween on the Green further strengthen the area’s community spirit and highlight the village’s commitment to culture and inclusivity.
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins, praised the two nominated communities and offered his best wishes for the upcoming awards.
“The Marconi Men’s Shed in Clifden and the community of Clarinbridge really show what’s possible when people come together with passion, vision, and a shared sense of purpose,” he said. “Both projects reflect the true spirit of community here in Galway, focusing on inclusion, wellbeing, heritage, and sustainability. I want to sincerely thank everyone involved for their dedication and hard work. On behalf of the Elected Members of Galway County Council, I wish them every success in this year’s Pride of Place Awards.”
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, “We are proud to support the work of local communities across the county through initiatives like Pride of Place. We recognise the invaluable contribution of voluntary groups in enhancing the places where we live, work, and visit. Supporting and empowering these communities is a key priority for the Council, and we remain committed to working in partnership with local groups to help them thrive and continue making a real difference.”
Organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place awards honour the outstanding efforts of community groups working to improve their local areas. Now in its 23rd year, the initiative celebrates the voluntary spirit and collaborative action that strengthen towns and villages across the island of Ireland.
County Galway has a strong record in the competition. At last year’s ceremony in Monaghan, Kinvara Tidy Towns and Williamstown were named runners-up in their respective categories, continuing a tradition of recognition for the county’s vibrant and engaged communities. County Galway’s most recent overall category came in 2023, when the Creggs Rural Development Group was awarded top honours in the Climate Action & Biodiversity category. The group was recognised for its outstanding work in promoting, educating, and raising awareness of biodiversity within the village and surrounding areas in north Galway.
For more information, visit www.prideofplace.ie.
