Limerick communities honoured at Pride of Place awards

LIMERICK community groups triumphed at the prestigious Pride of Place community awards on Saturday evening at a gala ceremony in Monaghan.

Johnsgate Residents Association took first place in the Urban Neighbourhood under 3000 category, with judges particularly impressed with the efforts they saw to regenerate the area.

“This inner-city village is effectively a small but important housing estate nestled between the walls of Limerick City and John’s Square, St John’s Cathedral and John’s Graveyard. The area suffered years of neglect, dereliction and anti-social behaviour, intimidation and dumping, constant Garda activity.

“This led some of the residents, led by a visionary leader, to tackle issues by change, thus transforming the Village to an area of Biodiversity, cleanliness, and group participation in local events.

“All of this change was exactly as described in the presentation in the subsequent walk around where the wonderful Limerick Pipe band led the way.”

The Butterfly Club in Rathkeale was honoured with a Special Award in the Inclusive Communities category at the awards ceremony, which took place on Saturday, November 2.

The initiative was established after the town hosted a community in the Special Olympics of 2003. When the Olympics were over a group of volunteers began to offer respite to local families and create a social club to children with special needs.

With the support of West Limerick services started in Coláiste na Trócaire in Rathkeale in 2004, moving location twice before acquiring a unit in Rathkeale Industrial Estate in 2017.

The club currently provides monthly respite for 51 special needs children, and their families, in the West Limerick region. The club has approximately 70 adult and 20 student volunteers, from all over Limerick.

The judges said they were both “emotional, both happy, and sad in equal measures, as the leaders, parents and an extraordinary young lady spoke of the difference this facility has made to their lives.

“It is not possible to thank this group of people enough for the difference they have made to so many people and their families over 20 years of pure giving. The Butterfly club deserves special recognition.”

Dromcollogher Care Centres and Housing for Older Persons took runner up spot in the Age Friendly Communities category.

The awards, hosted by RTE’s Brendan McArdle, took place in front of 400 community volunteers from across the island. The awards were delivered in partnership with Monaghan County Council.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 22 years ago through 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 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.”

Pride of Place founder and chairman Tom Dowling said, “After 22 extraordinary years, our judges still never cease to be inspired by the wonderful achievements of the fantastic communities nominated by their local council to represent their place in these prestigious awards.”

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Ian Jeffers, CEO of Co-operation Ireland said, "Co-operation Ireland has no other programme that embodies the charity's ethos better than Pride of Place.

“We work to build relationships across the island and Pride of Place plays a critical role in that work.  The impact the awards have had in towns and villages across the island since they started two decades ago cannot be underestimated, and the continuing success of the awards is down to the dedicated volunteers and their love of where they live.”

John Hogan, chairman, IPB Insurance said. “On behalf of our local authority members we are proud to be associated with the Pride of Place awards as title sponsors. This is truly a unique competition, providing an all-island platform that recognises the great strides volunteers are making in building more inclusive, sustainable, and welcoming communities. 

“These awards shine a light on the work being done in our communities by celebrating the volunteers who give of their time in the spirit of collaboration. Their selfless efforts are making a real difference for all who live and work in their communities. It is therefore essential that we celebrate the excellent work accomplished around the island of Ireland by showcasing what can be achieved when we all work together.”