On Friday 10th November Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council hosted the Pride of Place awards event at the Armagh City Hotel. There were celebrations for Tipperary as Nenagh proudly accepted the award for centres with a population of over 4,000.
Organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place awards showcase and celebrate exceptional community development efforts.
This year marks the 21st anniversary of the awards, and the event was hosted by the UTV’s Pamela Ballentine.
These awards honour the remarkable contributions of individuals and groups dedicated to improving their local neighbourhoods, creating better places to live, work, and socialise.
Tipperary County Council nominated Nenagh for this prestigious competition. The Nenagh entry was a collaboration between Silver Arch Family Resource Centre, Clúid Housing and Nenagh Municipal District under the banner ‘We ♥ Nenagh’. The judges praised the efforts of all and referred in particular to the work done by the Ballygraigue Residents Association and their commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. They also noted the support from the elected members and the staff of Nenagh Municipal District.
Judging took place in August 2023. Nenagh was represented at the awards ceremony by Tom Darcy, Silver Arch Family Resource Centre; Cllr. Ger Darcy, Cathaoirleach, Tipperary County Council; Marcus O’ Connor, Director of Services and Rosemary Joyce, District Administrator, Nenagh Municipal District. Angela Sheehan from the Economic, Community & Rural Development Section, Pride of Place Co-Ordinator for Tipperary County Council also attended.
Another Tipperary man on stage for the awards was former councillor, John Hogan, IPB Chair. He said “Volunteerism is a cornerstone of community resilience and exemplifies the very spirit of mutual support and care that these Awards have championed throughout our longstanding partnership. By supporting these awards, we not only celebrate the remarkable individuals and groups who go above and beyond for their communities but also aim to inspire others to join in this noble pursuit of creating better, more liveable places for all.”
Cathaoirleach Ger Darcy also paid tribute to the spirit of volunteerism and said “We are very proud to see the work that is being done in Nenagh being recognised in this All-Island Competition. There is a great sense of teamwork between volunteers, businesses, state agencies, clubs and organisations and the Council. This is what makes Nenagh such a special place in which to live, work or visit”.
