Two Co Galway areas have been singled out for special praise by judges from IPB Pride of Place, the all-island competition run by Co-operation Ireland. It recognised the vital contributions that communities in Creggs and Gort made to society.
Both areas were nominated by Galway County Council. Creggs Rural Development Group is participating in the Climate Action and Biodiversity category of the annual competition for its commitment to promote, educate, raise awareness, and enhance biodiversity in the north Galway village. The Gort River Walk Group, which has also been nominated by the local authority, has been included in the Community Wellbeing category in recognition of its 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 when they visited their areas before hosting tours of the community and highlighting their volunteers' efforts. They hope to secure a place on the winner's podium at the overall IPB Pride of Place gala dinner and award ceremony which will be held in Armagh in November.
Councillor Dr Evelyn Parsons, the leas cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, says her fellow councillors are aware of the high level of community and voluntary activity throughout the county. "Competitions such as Pride of Place give great encouragement at parish and community level and I am sure that the judges were highly impressed by the work achieved by the communities of Gort and Creggs. I wish them every success in the competition, which is the Oscars of the community sector."
Liam Conneally, the chief executive of Galway County Council, says the Pride of Place awards provide an opportunity for Galway County Council to recognise the unique value and contributions at community level. "They also recognise the impact they have on community wellbeing, quality of life, and the pride of place instilled by the work that is carried out in their communities. 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."
Alan Farrell, the director of services for economic, rural and community development at Galway County Council, believes the competition is an ideal platform to showcase the work being undertaken by communities and voluntary organisations in Ireland.
"Community group activities commonly bridge the gap in areas where public services and/or facilities may not reach. Some of the initiatives undertaken in Co Galway are remarkable and are a credit to community groups. This competition presents communities with an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and provides a powerful boost to motivation. I wish Co Galway's representatives the very best of luck and I look forward to continuing to work with the communities in the development of their areas."
Andrew McBride, Galway Co Council's llaison officer for the competition, says the enthusiasm and pride displayed by each of the communities, shows that community spirit and volunteerism is thriving in the county and contributing to the economic, social, and cultural development of local towns and villages.
"The effort and commitment displayed by each of the communities concerned to improving the quality of life in their town and village is to be commended and this competition provides the opportunity to do this. The groups themselves are often surprised that they are achieving so much and providing such social infrastructure.
"One of the rewards of participating in the Pride of Place initiative is that in the preparation for the event, community groups interact with each other and realise how much each group is doing. The presentations capture this and provide a milestone for communities in the development of their area."
