Pride of Laois honoured at all-Ireland gala awards

Community work in Camross, Stradbally, Timahoe and Vicarstown triumphed at the prestigious Pride of Place Community Awards 2023.

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

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 said.

The awards took place on Friday evening, November 10,at a gala ceremony in Armagh city which was attended by 400 community volunteers from across the island. The awards were delivered in partnership with Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council.

The Laois representatives, which were nominated by Laois County Council, showcased its community champions on Wednesday and Thursday, 19th & 20th July, when the judges came to visit.

There was no mistaking the pride of local people over the two days when they displayed for the judges, all that they have and continue to do, to make their local community, a better place to live, work and visit. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured were the SVT Activity Hub delegation at the Awards in Armagh with Laois County Council representatives.

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. 

“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,” he said.

Pictured were the Camross delegation at the Awards.

Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said he was very proud after of 21 years of celebrating so many wonderful Pride of Place communities to be at another Gala Awards night.

Powerful Laois portrayed at Pride of Place

“All our communities recognise the importance of their place and people and are constantly seeking to make it better. These awards are now even more important as communities face ever increasing challenges and are responding to them with energy, positivity, and commitment. The communities deserve their well-earned recognition and all participants are truly winners.”

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Sir Julian King, Chairman 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, also commented.

“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.” 

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon, Alderman Margaret Tinsley said her council were delighted to host this year awards to celebrate and recognise the wonderful work voluntary people and organisations make to community life.

"Congratulations to all award winners, and thank you to everyone who played their part in organising this fantastic event,” she said.

Co-operation Ireland says it works to promote and encourage interaction, dialogue, and practical collaboration between the peoples of Northern Ireland and between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.