Kilnaboy Youth Club were last night named as one of the principal winners of Cooperation Ireland’s annual Pride of Place Competition 2009 at a ceremony held at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, County Down.
The North Clare organisation won the ‘’Youth’ themed Single Issue category. Three other local organisations, Lisdoonvarna Failte Ltd, O’Briensbridge Community Group and Clare Family Resource Centre, were also shortlisted in the all-island competition which aims to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that community groups make to society.
Pride of Place, which is run in conjunction with local authorities north and south of the border, was first piloted in the summer of 2003 and came from the Local Authority All-Island Steering Forum - a forum that encourages strategic, sustainable approaches to cross border co-operation.
Awarding the Kilnaboy Youth Club the overall prize in its category, the adjudication panel commented: “Kilnaboy Youth Club is an excellent example of a vibrant youth club developed over many years in a rural area. The judges were impressed with the commitment and drive of the leaders, but what marked this entry out as special was the manifest support of the wider community and the highly laudable endeavours of the youth club to provide services for the elderly. The breadth of available activities and the planned Astroturf pitch gives plenty of choice for all.” As the winner of the ‘Special Issue’ category, the Club received an exclusive crystal decorative memento and a cheque for 1,000 euro.
Speaking following the awards ceremony, Mayor of Clare Cllr. Tony Mulcahy congratulated Kilnaboy Youth Club on achieving national success in the competition. He said the organisation was a great example of what could be achieved by adopting a partnership approach to improving community life.
Mayor Mulcahy continued: “The commitment and community spirit that has been demonstrated by members of the club is reflective of the enormous civic pride that exists among voluntary and community organisations throughout County Clare. I would like to compliment Kilnaboy Youth Club and Clare’s other participants in Pride of Place for their valuable work to further improve the lives of those who live in, work and visit their respective communities. They should also be commended for their commitment to working closely with the community, public representatives, local businesses, Clare County Council and other bodies.”
Judging for Pride of Place takes place in July each year. County Clare communities that have taken part in the competition in recent years include Kilrush, Kilkee, Labasheeda, Sixmilebridge, Ballynacally, Scariff, O’Briensbridge/Montpelier, Gleann an Óir in Tullyvarraga, Tuamgraney Development Association, The Burren Centre in Kilfenora; Obair Afterschool Project in Newmarket on Fergus, and Seanoirí Iaichtín Naofa based at the West Clare Resource Centre in Miltown Malbay.
According to Betty Devanny, Pride of Place Co-Coordinator “This competition focuses on local communities, both north and south of the border, coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their area. Groups have the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and learn from others and further promote their activities. “
“This year we received expressions of interest from towns and villages all over the County, and the Council is delighted to see that one of its four nominees has achieved national success. This is especially gratifying considering that Tuamgraney Development Association was also named as one of the principal category winners in 2008”, added Ms. Devanny.
The North Clare organisation won the ‘’Youth’ themed Single Issue category. Three other local organisations, Lisdoonvarna Failte Ltd, O’Briensbridge Community Group and Clare Family Resource Centre, were also shortlisted in the all-island competition which aims to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that community groups make to society.
Pride of Place, which is run in conjunction with local authorities north and south of the border, was first piloted in the summer of 2003 and came from the Local Authority All-Island Steering Forum - a forum that encourages strategic, sustainable approaches to cross border co-operation.
Awarding the Kilnaboy Youth Club the overall prize in its category, the adjudication panel commented: “Kilnaboy Youth Club is an excellent example of a vibrant youth club developed over many years in a rural area. The judges were impressed with the commitment and drive of the leaders, but what marked this entry out as special was the manifest support of the wider community and the highly laudable endeavours of the youth club to provide services for the elderly. The breadth of available activities and the planned Astroturf pitch gives plenty of choice for all.” As the winner of the ‘Special Issue’ category, the Club received an exclusive crystal decorative memento and a cheque for 1,000 euro.
Speaking following the awards ceremony, Mayor of Clare Cllr. Tony Mulcahy congratulated Kilnaboy Youth Club on achieving national success in the competition. He said the organisation was a great example of what could be achieved by adopting a partnership approach to improving community life.
Mayor Mulcahy continued: “The commitment and community spirit that has been demonstrated by members of the club is reflective of the enormous civic pride that exists among voluntary and community organisations throughout County Clare. I would like to compliment Kilnaboy Youth Club and Clare’s other participants in Pride of Place for their valuable work to further improve the lives of those who live in, work and visit their respective communities. They should also be commended for their commitment to working closely with the community, public representatives, local businesses, Clare County Council and other bodies.”
Judging for Pride of Place takes place in July each year. County Clare communities that have taken part in the competition in recent years include Kilrush, Kilkee, Labasheeda, Sixmilebridge, Ballynacally, Scariff, O’Briensbridge/Montpelier, Gleann an Óir in Tullyvarraga, Tuamgraney Development Association, The Burren Centre in Kilfenora; Obair Afterschool Project in Newmarket on Fergus, and Seanoirí Iaichtín Naofa based at the West Clare Resource Centre in Miltown Malbay.
According to Betty Devanny, Pride of Place Co-Coordinator “This competition focuses on local communities, both north and south of the border, coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their area. Groups have the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and learn from others and further promote their activities. “
“This year we received expressions of interest from towns and villages all over the County, and the Council is delighted to see that one of its four nominees has achieved national success. This is especially gratifying considering that Tuamgraney Development Association was also named as one of the principal category winners in 2008”, added Ms. Devanny.
