Nenagh’s got Pride of Place
Tipperary community groups triumphed at the prestigious Pride of Place community awards on Friday evening (November 10) at a gala ceremony in Armagh city.
‘We Love Nenagh’ took first place in the ‘Population over 4,000’ category, while Fethard Town Park was runner up in the ‘Community Wellbeing Initiative – Holistic’ category.
Judges praised the hard work of those involved in the ‘We Love Nenagh’ project: “The collaboration across many disparate community groups led by one, in particular, has created a real sense of belonging and pride of place in this town. The work of that lead group working with the council and a housing association was outstanding, as was the sustainability of action and service provided.”
Organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place awards showcase and celebrate exceptional community development efforts. These awards honour the remarkable contributions of individuals and groups dedicated to improving their local neighbourhoods, creating better places to live, work, and socialise.
Tipperary County Council nominated Nenagh for this prestigious competition. The Nenagh entry was a collaboration between Silver Arch Family Resource Centre, Clúid Housing and Nenagh Municipal District under the banner ‘We Love Nenagh’.
The judges praised the efforts of all and referred in particular to the work done by the Ballygraigue Residents Association and their commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. They also noted the support from the elected members and the staff of Nenagh Municipal District.
Judging took place in August 2023. Nenagh was represented at the awards ceremony by Tom Darcy, Silver Arch Family Resource Centre; Cllr Ger Darcy, Cathaoirleach, Tipperary County Council; Marcus O’Connor, Director of Services and Rosemary Joyce, District Administrator, Nenagh Municipal District. Angela Sheehan from the Economic, Community & Rural Development Section, Pride of Place Co-Ordinator for Tipperary County Council, also attended.
Another Tipperary man on stage for the awards was former councillor John Hogan, IPB Chair. He said: “Volunteerism is a cornerstone of community resilience and exemplifies the very spirit of mutual support and care that these awards have championed throughout our longstanding partnership. By supporting these awards, we not only celebrate the remarkable individuals and groups who go above and beyond for their communities but also aim to inspire others to join in this noble pursuit of creating better, more liveable places for all.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Darcy also paid tribute to the spirit of volunteerism and said: “We are very proud to see the work that is being done in Nenagh being recognised in this all-island competition. There is a great sense of teamwork between volunteers, businesses, state agencies, clubs and organisations and the council. This is what makes Nenagh such a special place in which to live, work or visit.”
Elsewhere, Public Participation Network (PPN) Tipperary was nominated for a ward but left empty-handed.
The awards, hosted by UTV’s Pamela Ballentine, took place in in front of 400 community volunteers from across the island. The awards were delivered in partnership with Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council.
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the competition was initiated 21 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.
President Michael D Higgins, Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland, said the awards played an important role. “The Pride of Place awards are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances.”