The people of Creggs and Gort got the chance to showcase the work they have put into their communities to judges from the IPB Pride of Place awards visiting recently.
Pride of Place is an 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 council, 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, said that the Pride of Place awards are a chance for the council to recognise the unique value and contributions that people make in their own communities.
These have a profound impact on “community wellbeing, quality of life, and the pride of place instilled by the work that is carried out in their communities,” he added.
“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.”
