The Marconi Men’s Shed in Clifden and the community of Clarinbridge have been selected to represent County Galway in the 2025 IPB Pride of Place Awards, an all-island competition that recognises excellence in community development.
Both groups, which have been nominated by Galway County Council, are preparing for the visit of Pride of Place judges on September 11th and 12th ahead of the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on November 7th at the Strand Hotel in Limerick.
Organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place awards celebrate the voluntary efforts of community groups that improve their local areas through collaboration and dedication. Now in its 23rd year, the programme highlights projects that strengthen towns and villages across Ireland.
County Galway has a strong history in the competition, with Kinvara Tidy Towns and Williamstown named runners-up in their categories at last year’s awards ceremony in Monaghan. The county’s most recent overall category winner was Creggs Rural Development Group in 2023, which won in the Climate Action & Biodiversity category for its work promoting and enhancing biodiversity in north Galway.
The Marconi Men’s Shed serves Clifden and the surrounding areas and is the first men’s shed in Ireland established exclusively by male family carers. In partnership with FORUM Connemara CLG, the group secured premises where members retrofitted four outbuildings, combining two as a workshop and two for storage. The shed has more than 50 members aged between 43 and 85 who meet twice weekly. They are involved in projects such as gardening in onsite polytunnels and woodturning in the workshop. The group also promotes health and wellbeing through activities including Tai Chi and mindfulness courses, healthy eating programmes, physical activity sessions, and smoking cessation workshops. Many members have reported improvements in their physical and mental health as a result.
Clarinbridge is a coastal village in south County Galway known for its oysters, food, community spirit, and welcoming atmosphere. The Clarinbridge Tidy Towns group, established in 1979, works to enhance the physical and social environment of the village and surrounding areas. Local landmarks such as The Green, Parish Hall, Kilcornan Estate, Cowpark, and walking trails demonstrate the community’s commitment to heritage and environmental care. Clarinbridge Tidy Towns collaborates with groups including the Clarinbridge Men’s Shed and SCCUL Sanctuary to foster wellbeing and community cohesion. The village hosts annual events such as Clarinbridge Market Day and Halloween on the Green, reflecting its vibrant community life.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Councillor David Collins, said, “We are very proud to have the Marconi Men’s Shed in Clifden and the community of Clarinbridge representing Galway in this year’s Pride of Place awards. As they prepare for the visit of the adjudicators in Clifden on September 11th and in Clarinbridge on September 12th, I encourage everyone in the communities and surrounding areas to come out and show their support for these outstanding projects. Community backing is vital in helping these groups showcase the strength and spirit of our county, and together we can help them shine on the national stage.”
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, commented, “Representatives from the Marconi Men’s Shed and Clarinbridge community are working hard to prepare detailed presentations and itineraries to highlight their impressive achievements ahead of the Pride of Place adjudicators’ visit. Judging day is a special occasion that offers the nominated communities a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate their local pride. I encourage everyone to support the organised events and show their commitment to making these areas vibrant and welcoming places to live and visit.”
For further information on the Pride of Place awards, visit www.prideofplace.ie.
