The County Limerick village of Galbally has been named as one of the principal winners in the 8th Co-operation Ireland All-Island Pride of Place Competition.
The village was awarded first place in the Category 2, catering for population centres of 200-500 residents, at an awards ceremony in the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, County Meath, on Saturday night. As a category winner Galbally Community Council received an exclusive crystal decorative memento along with a cheque.
Limerick County Council also was named winner of the Best Local Authority category while three local communities were shortlisted in their respective categories, namely Kylefea/Caemore Court Estate in Croom (Housing Estate); Friar’s Gate Theatre in Kilmallock (Single Issue Entry – Community Response to the Arts) and Kilmeedy Local Training initiative (Single Issue Entry – Community Response to the Unemployment).
The Pride of Place initiative, 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. Cappamore Development Association won a national title in 2008 while Glin was named overall winner of Category 3 last year.
Congratulating Galbally and Limerick County Council on receiving awards, Cllr. Richard Butler, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council said: Limerick’s nominees demonstrated what can be achieved when people work together to enhance and change parts of their area for the good of the whole community. I wish to congratulate the Council and Galbally on their respective successes and look forward to County Limerick bidding for further national recognition in 2011”.
Jim Fitzgerald, Chairman of Galbally Community Council added: “Galbally Village is celebrating a national win, a more prestigious award than any other. It shows what can be achieved when each member of a Community works together. This award can be celebrated by all because each club and organisation had an input in its achievement.
He continued: “Galbally is a very busy community and since receiving second place when we first entered in 2004 the village’s achievements have been phenomenal. Some that come to mind are the "All weather pitch", dressings rooms, playground, additional facilities at Tig Roy, new lift in the community centre and exhibition room. We are very proud to say we are the best community in category two of the whole thirty two Counties. As it says on our plaque co-operation ireland working for a future together. "We would not want to live anyplace else". Our many thanks to Limerick County Council for having such faith in us.”
Limerick County Manager Ned Gleeson commented: “This is the eighth year of the Competition, which recognises and celebrates the vital contributions that community partnerships make to society. Nominating bodies, including Local Authorities from practically every county in Ireland, nominated groups in their local area. The vast range of participating communities in the competition makes the successes of Limerick County Council and Galbally all the more impressive.”
Commenting on the Pride of Place Competition Josephine Cotter Coughlan, Director of Services said: “The focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. It differs from other similar projects in that they specifically recognise the involvement of the local community in all aspects of rural and urban regeneration including, promoting social cohesion, involvement in planning, the promotion of heritage and environmental awareness.”
“There is no doubt that local communities that have participated in the past have benefited greatly from their experiences. It has provided them with an excellent opportunity to highlight the elements of their areas that they have civic pride in, and gave them a platform to showcase the work they are doing on a continual basis”, Ms. Cotter Coughlan concluded.
Peter Sheridan Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland said: “The unique All-Island Pride of Place competition has a positive effect on communities throughout the island of Ireland. It highlights local authorities commitment to supporting groups who undertake initiatives to improve their communities. Although there can only be one winner in each category, the awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the efforts of all groups.”
Further information on the Pride of Place Competition is available from http://prideofplace.cooperationireland.org.
The village was awarded first place in the Category 2, catering for population centres of 200-500 residents, at an awards ceremony in the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, County Meath, on Saturday night. As a category winner Galbally Community Council received an exclusive crystal decorative memento along with a cheque.
Limerick County Council also was named winner of the Best Local Authority category while three local communities were shortlisted in their respective categories, namely Kylefea/Caemore Court Estate in Croom (Housing Estate); Friar’s Gate Theatre in Kilmallock (Single Issue Entry – Community Response to the Arts) and Kilmeedy Local Training initiative (Single Issue Entry – Community Response to the Unemployment).
The Pride of Place initiative, 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. Cappamore Development Association won a national title in 2008 while Glin was named overall winner of Category 3 last year.
Congratulating Galbally and Limerick County Council on receiving awards, Cllr. Richard Butler, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council said: Limerick’s nominees demonstrated what can be achieved when people work together to enhance and change parts of their area for the good of the whole community. I wish to congratulate the Council and Galbally on their respective successes and look forward to County Limerick bidding for further national recognition in 2011”.
Jim Fitzgerald, Chairman of Galbally Community Council added: “Galbally Village is celebrating a national win, a more prestigious award than any other. It shows what can be achieved when each member of a Community works together. This award can be celebrated by all because each club and organisation had an input in its achievement.
He continued: “Galbally is a very busy community and since receiving second place when we first entered in 2004 the village’s achievements have been phenomenal. Some that come to mind are the "All weather pitch", dressings rooms, playground, additional facilities at Tig Roy, new lift in the community centre and exhibition room. We are very proud to say we are the best community in category two of the whole thirty two Counties. As it says on our plaque co-operation ireland working for a future together. "We would not want to live anyplace else". Our many thanks to Limerick County Council for having such faith in us.”
Limerick County Manager Ned Gleeson commented: “This is the eighth year of the Competition, which recognises and celebrates the vital contributions that community partnerships make to society. Nominating bodies, including Local Authorities from practically every county in Ireland, nominated groups in their local area. The vast range of participating communities in the competition makes the successes of Limerick County Council and Galbally all the more impressive.”
Commenting on the Pride of Place Competition Josephine Cotter Coughlan, Director of Services said: “The focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. It differs from other similar projects in that they specifically recognise the involvement of the local community in all aspects of rural and urban regeneration including, promoting social cohesion, involvement in planning, the promotion of heritage and environmental awareness.”
“There is no doubt that local communities that have participated in the past have benefited greatly from their experiences. It has provided them with an excellent opportunity to highlight the elements of their areas that they have civic pride in, and gave them a platform to showcase the work they are doing on a continual basis”, Ms. Cotter Coughlan concluded.
Peter Sheridan Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland said: “The unique All-Island Pride of Place competition has a positive effect on communities throughout the island of Ireland. It highlights local authorities commitment to supporting groups who undertake initiatives to improve their communities. Although there can only be one winner in each category, the awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the efforts of all groups.”
Further information on the Pride of Place Competition is available from http://prideofplace.cooperationireland.org.
