Co Kildare charity wins top national community development award
Above: Representatives from Barretsown Children's Charity, Co' Kildare, receive their Special Award. Included are Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland; Tom Dowling, Chairperson, Pride of Place, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Gerry McMonagle and ; Michael Garvey, CEO IPB Insurance. Photo Lorcan Doherty
The winners of the IPB Pride of Place Awards in association with Co-operation Ireland were announced last night at a gala awards ceremony in Letterkenny.
The awards acknowledge the achievements and the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.
Barretstown Children’s Charity, Co Kildare picked up one of the special awards.
The judges said “….Barretstown Children's Charity, located near Ballymore Eustace provides free of charge a wonderful supportive environment for children and their families living with serious illness-adopting a holistic approach it can truly be described as the centre of excellence in childhood cancer care”.
During the ceremony 49 awards were announced in the main competition, the cities competition and special awards, ranging from groups supporting small rural communities to those involved in large inner city housing estates. Donegal County Council hosted the evening and celebrated Irish musicians Donal Lunney and Paddy Glackin entertained the audience before the winners were announced. RTE presenterAengus MacGrianna was MC for the ceremony, which was attended by over 800 people.
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 15 years ago through a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by communities and groups across the island of Ireland. It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements.
The winners were presented with their awards by Minister Joe McHugh TD, Government Chief Whip & Minister of State for Gaeilge, An Ghaeltacht and the Islands, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Gerry McMonagle, Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland, Michael McGreal, Vice Chair IPB Insurance and Tom Dowling, Chairperson, Pride of Place Committee.
Tom Dowling, Chairperson of IPB Pride of Place Competition said
“This unique competition is about showing respect and inclusion for every sector in our communities, young, old, rich or poor and creating communities to which the people are proud to say they belong”.