Triple Pride Of Place glory for Clare

CLARE’S long-standing record of success in the IPB Pride of Place competition has continued. 

Three Clare community projects were bidding for national glory in the national competition, with Tourism East Clare and the Rekindle Festival of Lost Skills, Ennistymon named winners.

The news was announced at an awards ceremony held in the Armagh City Hotel, Co. Armagh on Friday, November 10.

Pride of Place is organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance. It aims to showcase and celebrate exceptional local community development efforts. 

Speaking following the awards ceremony, Leas Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr. Gabriel Keating, said: “For Clare to record yet more wins is a huge source of pride for the local authority and every community and voluntary organisation across County Clare.”

This year marked the 21st anniversary of the awards. 

Micheal Martin to travel to Israel and Palestine this week

Nominated by Clare County Council, Tourism East Clare was named overall winner of the Community Tourism Initiative category, for its efforts to promote sustainable tourism development in the region by fostering relationships among local providers and offering unique tourism products and packages.

The Common Knowledge project “Rekindle Festival of Lost Skills” received a Special Award in recognition of its dedication to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for joyful and sustainable living.

Jason Murphy, Director of Services for Rural Development, said: “In nominating the three projects this year, Clare County Council has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to supporting projects that contribute to the wellbeing and development of the county and its communities. I warmly congratulate each of the winning projects for their dedication to making Clare a vibrant and attractive place for all.”

Meanwhile, Ennis Men’s Shed was named Runner Up of the Community Wellbeing Category in recognition of the proactive approach by volunteers to address mental health issues by establishing a state-of-the-art community facility.

Clare has enjoyed considerable success in the competition during recent years with wins for Loop Head (2022), Clare Youth Action (2020), Shannon (2018), Cooraclare and Cree (2018), CLG Cuan an Chláir (2017), Doonbeg Community Development (2015) and Miltown Malbay (2013). Clare communities have also recorded numerous Runner-Up placings while County Council won a special award in 2014 for its contribution to the competition since it was first established in 2003.

Kathy Coleman, Pride of Place Coordinator for Clare County Council, said: “It is wonderful to see Clare building on its great success from last year when Loop Head Together Project received top honours in the 'Coastal Community' category and the Climate Action Special Award, with Scariff Community Council earning the Runner-Up position in their category.

“These award wins are a wonderful example of what can be achieved when people come together for the benefit of their local community,” Ms Coleman concluded.