Mayo’s Belcarra Community Group in Westport and Ballina Community Group were honoured at the All-Ireland Pride of Place Awards on Saturday evening.
The awards, hosted by Marty Morrissey, took place online with 6,000 people across Ireland joining in the online event to celebrate with local community groups who were honoured on the night.
Mayo had four nominees, with two winning candidates, Belcarra winning the Area with a Population less than 300 category, and Ballina judged to the be winner of the Area with a Population over 5,000. Westport Men’s Shed and Ballyhaunis ‘Celebrate Diversity’ were honoured to be nominated, but missed out on this occasion.
Mayo County Council interim chief executive, Peter Duggan and Cathaoirleach Cllr Richard Finn extend congratulations to the communities: "Mayo County Council wishes to extend heartfelt congratulations to the people of Belcarra and Ballina. They are shining examples of the tireless volunteer work that community groups across this county are involved in to make Mayo a more inclusive, caring and equal place to live. We congratulate them and the groups in Westport and Ballyhaunis for their constant effort and commitment to their local communities."
At the event the judges gave some positive feedback to the winners, stating that Belcarra’s community group "provided a group water scheme, housing for the elderly, social housing, recreational facilities, a riverside walk, a community centre, sports centre… community activity is in the DNA of the people."
Ballina’s Lions Club was commended to have "worked hard continuously adapting to changing needs, demonstrating energy and enthusiasm and, crucially, have developed trust with the community. They seek at all times to contribute significantly to the betterment of that community."
