Galway has continued its history of success in the IPB Pride of Place competition with Creggs Rural Development Group taking home a big prize.
Creggs RDG was named the winner in the Climate Action & Biodiversity category in recognition of its commitment to promote, educate, raise awareness, and enhance biodiversity within the north Galway village.
The community joins Lawrencetown (2022), Inis Méain (2018), Clonbur Community Council (2016) and Clifden (2012) as an overall winner of the prestigious annual competition.
County Galway’s other participant in this year’s competition Gort River Walk Group was nominated in the Community Wellbeing category.
This was in recognition of their continued development of a 3km looped walk that encompasses biodiversity, rest areas, and a new footbridge in the town.
Cllr Dr. Evelyn Parsons, Leas Chathaoirleach of Galway County Council commented, “This award win is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when people come together for the benefit of their local community.”
“It is an enormous achievement for the community of Creggs Rural Development Group to receive official recognition for their work in front of the 800 people from communities across the island of Ireland that gathered for the award ceremony.”
“I also wish to congratulate the County Galway’s other entrant in this year’s competition, Gort River Walk Group.”
Organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place awards showcase and celebrate exceptional community development efforts.
This year marked the 21st anniversary of the awards, and the event was hosted by the UTV’s Pamela Ballen in the Armagh City Hotel on Friday night.
The communities of Creggs and Gort were visited by judges during August, when representatives of both groups made a formal presentation to adjudicators.
After this they hosted tours that highlighted the elements of the community and volunteer efforts of which they are most proud.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council stated, “County Galway has always performed well in this competition which is an acknowledgement of the valuable and often unseen work carried out by our communities.”
“Galway County Council is proud to be able to support communities like Creggs and Gort and to recognise the unique value and contributions made at community level by voluntary and community groups across the County.”
