Two Laois groups honoured at all-Ireland community awards ceremony

Laois community groups triumphed at the prestigious Pride of Place community awards on Friday evening at a gala ceremony in Armagh city.

Stradbally/ Vicarstown/ Timahoe Activity & Wellness Hub won a judges Special Award, with Camross Community Association runner up in the ‘Population 0-500’ category.

Camross lost out to Killeedy Community Projects Limerick, and Hollywood Village Wicklow which were joint winners.

Judges praised the Stradbally/ Vicarstown/ Timahoe Activity & Wellness Hub for its “focus on general health and wellbeing.

The facilities and activities which have been put in place to achieve this and the shrewd use of national exposure and publicity to promote an active lifestyle is superb.

The awards, hosted by UTV’s Pamela Ballentine, took place in in front of 400 community volunteers from across the island.

The awards were delivered in partnership with Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 21 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

President Michael D. Higgins, Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland, said the awards played an important role.

He said: “The Pride of Place awards are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances.”

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