The circus took top prize in the Creative Place Initiative category.
The judges said: “The judges had a very enjoyable and inspiring visit to this group who are doing groundbreaking work with so many young people. They witnessed first-hand and met the beneficiaries of excellent work being sustained over a very long period.
“Essentially a community hub, the project is exceptionally inclusive and very public facing - an environment where confidence grows and young people develop to their strengths. This enterprise – empowerment through circus arts - delivers real meaning to many young lives.”
Galway’s successful night continued when the Galway City Water Safety Co-ordination Group was granted a special prize to acknowledge its work in the community on river rescues.
Voices for Downs Syndrome Galway and Jigsaw were also nominated by the Galway City Council and represented Galway at the awards ceremony.
Nine hundred representatives from counties across Ireland gathered in the Lyrath Estate Hotel for the awards, hosted by the Kilkenny County Council.
Sponsored by IPB, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 18 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.
Pride of Place founder and chairman Tom Dowling said: “These awards continue to be as important as ever after all these years and the purpose of the awards has never changed. They are about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational 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.”
Dr Christopher Moran, chairman of Co-operation Ireland said: “Pride of Place deserves its position as one of the most prestigious community awards on the island of Ireland and Co-operation Ireland is delighted that it continues to go from strength to strength.”
George Jones chairman of IPB Insurance said: “IPB Insurance is proud to be title sponsors of Pride of Place and most importantly what these awards represent. As a mutual insurer of local authorities and their communities, these awards are an excellent fit as they recognise how volunteerism at a local level delivers an all-island social impact creating better places to live, work and socialise.”
