The communities of Creggs and Gort in County Galway have been visited by judges from IPB Pride of Place, the all-island competition run by Co-operation Ireland to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that communities make to society.
Nominated by Galway County Council, Creggs Rural Development Group is participating in the Climate Action & Biodiversity category of the annual competition for their commitment to promote, educate, raise awareness, and enhance biodiversity within the north Galway village.
The Gort River Walk Group, which has also been nominated by the Local Authority, has been included in the Community Wellbeing category in recognition of their continued development of a 3km looped walk that encompasses biodiversity, rest areas, and a new footbridge in the south Galway town.
Representatives of both groups made a formal presentation to the Pride of Place adjudicators, before hosting tours that highlighted the elements of the community and volunteer efforts of which they are most proud. They will be hoping to secure a place on the winner’s podium at the overall IPB Pride of Place Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony in Armagh City Hotel on Friday 10th November.
“Elected Members are aware of the high level of community and voluntary activity throughout the county and competitions such as Pride of Place give great encouragement at parish and community level,” commented Councillor Dr Evelyn Parsons, Leas Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council. “I am sure that the judges were highly impressed by the work achieved by the communities of Gort and Creggs to whom I wish every success in the competition, which is the ‘Oscars’ of the community sector.”
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, stated “The Pride of Place awards provide an opportunity for Galway County Council to recognise the unique value and contributions at community level and the impact they have on community wellbeing, quality of life, and the pride of place instilled by the work that is carried out in their communities. To showcase this at a national level is great acknowledgement and reward for our communities and the often-unseen work that is carried by wonderful communities such as those in Gort and Creggs.”
Alan Farrell, Director of Services, Economic, Rural and Community Development of Galway County Council, said the competition is an ideal platform to showcase the work being undertaken by communities and voluntary organisations across Ireland.
“Community group activities commonly bridge the gap in areas where public services and / or facilities may not reach,” he explained. “Some of the initiatives undertaken in County Galway are remarkable and are a credit to community groups. This competition presents communities with an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and provides a powerful boost to motivation. I wish County Galway’s representatives the very best of luck and I look forward to continuing to work with the communities in the development of their areas.”
Andrew Mc Bride, Galway County Council’s Liaison Officer for the competition, stated, “The enthusiasm and pride displayed by each of the communities, shows that community spirit and volunteerism is thriving in our county and contributing to the economic, social and cultural development of our towns and villages.”
“The effort and commitment displayed by each of the communities concerned to improving the quality of life in their town and village is to be commended and this competition provides the opportunity to do this,” he continued. “The groups themselves are often surprised that they are achieving so much and providing such social infrastructure’’.
“One of the rewards of participating in the Pride of Place initiative is that in the preparation for the event community groups interact with each other and realise how much each group is doing. The presentations capture this and provide a milestone for communities in the development of their area,” concluded Mr. Mc Bride.
