Final stages of judging for the 2021 IPB Pride of Place Competition in Mayo will take place on October 6 and 7.
The IPB Pride of Place Competition in association with Co-operation Ireland, is an all island competition organised by Co-operation Ireland and the Local Authorities. The purpose of the competition is to acknowledge the work being done every day by communities all over the island of Ireland.
Mayo County Council has nominated four groups for Pride of Place 2021. The Groups are: (1 ) Ballyheane Category 2 - Population (300 – 1000 ); (2 ) Killeen Community Council Category 7 - “Community Wellbeing Initiative”; (3 ) Ballina Community Clean Up Category 5 - Population ( > 5,000 ) and (4 ) The Cattle Raid Project - Táin Bó Fliodhaise Category 9 – “Community Tourism Initiatives”.
Unfortunately, again this year there will be no visit by the judges to the nominated areas. The judging format this year will take place in Mayo County Council’s offices at Áras an Chontae, Castlebar. Two judges will meet with community representatives from each group.
This Judges Call is the final stage of the Pride of Place application. This will consist of a series of questions from the Judges to the groups allowing the entrants a final opportunity to highlight the aspects of their community/initiative of which they are particularly proud and the reason why they deserve an IPB Pride of Place Award. A comprehensive submission form has already been completed by the groups.
Last year, Mayo had two National Winners; Ballina Lions Club were first in their category, ie Category 5 - Population > 5,000 and Belcarra Community Council also came first in their category, ie Category 2 - Population (300 – 1000 ).
Speaking about this year’s competition, Kevin Kelly, chief executive Mayo County Council, in supporting this year’s community groups, said: "We, as a local authority, appreciate the work, commitment and continued dedication to making Mayo look its best, and we will continue to support ongoing efforts to create strong, vibrant and sustainable communities.
"I would like to congratulate this year’s groups on their own achievements and on being nominated to represent Mayo in this national, prestigious competition. On behalf of Mayo County Council, I wish them every success with Pride of Place 2021."
Joanne Grehan, Director of Services for Community Engagement on Pride of Place added: "It is a wonderful competition which showcases and highlights all that is best in communities throughout Mayo.
"Mayo County Council and the Municipal Districts work closely with our community groups in Mayo; we appreciate the level of volunteerism of all community groups which has helped to make Mayo a great place in which to live, visit, work and invest. Wishing the participating groups in Pride of Place 2021 continued success."
