Galway community projects have been honoured at the all-Ireland Pride of Place community awards which took place in Killarney on Monday evening.
Within the City Council area, Tuatha of Terryland Forest Park voluntary group took top spot in the Creative Place Initiative category, while the Claddagh Watch Patrol were runners-up in the Community Resilience category.
In the County Council area, the Headford Lace Project came second in the Creative Place Initiative category.
Killannin Development Committee just missed out after being nominated in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category.
The awards, hosted by RTE’s Marty Whelan, took place in Kerry’s INEC centre with 400 community volunteers in attendance.
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition began 19 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to honour the work of volunteers.
It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.
President Michael D. Higgins, who is Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland, said that 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,” he said.
Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said that the Awards continue to be as important as ever.
“The purpose of the awards has never changed,” he said.
“They are about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational, and tireless work being done by communities all over the island of Ireland as they strive to make their place a better place in which to live.”
