Five communities across Clare are preparing themselves for the judging stage of Cooperation Ireland’s annual Pride of Place Competition 2008, which takes place next week.
Earlier this year, Clare County Council selected the local participants in the All-Ireland competition, which aims to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that community groups make to society. This year’s participating projects include Gleann an Óir, Tullyvarraga, Shannon; Tuamgraney Development Association; The Burren Centre, Kilfenora; Obair, Newmarket on Fergus; and Seanoirí Iaichtín Naofa, West Clare Resource Centre, Miltown Malbay.
Judging for “Pride of Place 2008” will take place around the county from July 10-12th, while the awards will be presented in Waterford this November. The winners in each competition category will receive an exclusive crystal decorative memento, along with a cheque for €2,000. Runners up will receive a framed certificate and a cheque for €500.00, while the recipients of special awards receive a crystal memento.
According to Nicola Cullinan, Pride of Place Co-Coordinator, “In preparation for the judges, community groups in each of the categories are all busily preparing itineraries and presentations, outlining achievements and pride initiatives”. “Judging day is a special event and an opportunity for you to show pride in your area by supporting the event in your town or village. So, come on, take pride in your place and lend your support now”, Ms. Cullinan added.
Commenting on the nominations and County Clare’s previous nominations, Cllr. Tommy Brennan, Chairperson of the Environment, Emergency Services & Consumer Protection SPC, stated, “We are confident that the nominated projects best represent County Clare and we look forward to achieving success again in this year’s competition, following on from the great success of the Cloughleigh Rapid Pitch in 2007.”
Pride of Place, first piloted in the summer of 2003, came from the Local Authority All-Island Steering Forum - a forum that encourages strategic, sustainable approaches to cross border co-operation.
Earlier this year, Clare County Council selected the local participants in the All-Ireland competition, which aims to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that community groups make to society. This year’s participating projects include Gleann an Óir, Tullyvarraga, Shannon; Tuamgraney Development Association; The Burren Centre, Kilfenora; Obair, Newmarket on Fergus; and Seanoirí Iaichtín Naofa, West Clare Resource Centre, Miltown Malbay.
Judging for “Pride of Place 2008” will take place around the county from July 10-12th, while the awards will be presented in Waterford this November. The winners in each competition category will receive an exclusive crystal decorative memento, along with a cheque for €2,000. Runners up will receive a framed certificate and a cheque for €500.00, while the recipients of special awards receive a crystal memento.
According to Nicola Cullinan, Pride of Place Co-Coordinator, “In preparation for the judges, community groups in each of the categories are all busily preparing itineraries and presentations, outlining achievements and pride initiatives”. “Judging day is a special event and an opportunity for you to show pride in your area by supporting the event in your town or village. So, come on, take pride in your place and lend your support now”, Ms. Cullinan added.
Commenting on the nominations and County Clare’s previous nominations, Cllr. Tommy Brennan, Chairperson of the Environment, Emergency Services & Consumer Protection SPC, stated, “We are confident that the nominated projects best represent County Clare and we look forward to achieving success again in this year’s competition, following on from the great success of the Cloughleigh Rapid Pitch in 2007.”
Pride of Place, first piloted in the summer of 2003, came from the Local Authority All-Island Steering Forum - a forum that encourages strategic, sustainable approaches to cross border co-operation.
