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And the Local Authorities in Ireland North and South

ipb pride of place 2017in association withCo-operation Ireland

Gala Dinner & Awards CeremonyMount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny,

County Donegal

ipbinsurance


Message from Tom Dowling

This is our 15th annual Awards Ceremony celebrating the extraordinaryvoluntary work of communities all over the island of Ireland. Our judgescontinue to be impressed, inspired and humbled by the on-goingcommitment from so many people who do so much with so little. I sincerelythank all of the communities represented here tonight as we celebrate theirachievements. Every community nominated for this competition is alreadya winner as they have been chosen by their local council to represent theirarea.

The purpose of the competition is to acknowledge the work being doneevery day by communities all over the island of Ireland. Since thecompetition commenced our judges have met hundreds of thousands ofpersons all of whom are proud to say they are from their place. Thecompetition is based on communities demonstrating directly to the judgestheir pride in their place by oral presentation, exhibitions of communityactivities and culture and a tour of the area highlighting the aspects of whichthey are particularly proud. It is also important that the communitydemonstrates real partnership with their local council and shows that allsectors of the community are included.

We wish to acknowledge the support of the local authorities whonominated record numbers of communities again in 2017 and thank themand their liaison officers for preparing their communities so well. We thankthe peace building organisation Co-operation Ireland for continuing tosupport Pride of Place as one of its key community initiatives. Co-operationIreland deserves all our support for its excellent and very important work asit continues its journey of peace and community support. We wish to pay aspecial thanks to Donegal County Council for hosting tonight's awardsceremony in the lovely welcoming town of Letterkenny in the wonderfulMount Errigal Hotel. We wish to thank the Cathaoirleach, Chief Executiveand staff of the Council for their huge commitment and hard work in makingtonight happen. We wish to thank our major sponsor IPB Insurance forrecognising the importance and value of supporting the communities thattheir customers, the councils serve, by supporting Pride of Place. Thissponsorship is much valued and appreciated. Tonight, however, is ourcommunities’ night and I wish them continued success as they strive tomake a real difference to the lives of the residents of their place.

Tom DowlingChairman, Pride of Place

Message from the Chairman, Co-operation Ireland

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the IPB Pride of Place Awards Ceremony in association withCo-operation Ireland. Introduced by Co-operation Ireland 15 years ago, the competitionacknowledges and celebrates the exemplary contribution local people from across the islandmake to others in their communities, through a wide range of programmes and activities.

As Chairman of Co-operation Ireland, I am privileged to see at first hand the determined effortsof people to make a difference in their local areas. Each year we have honoured individuals,groups and councils who have improved their locality. Not only have people improved theirareas but they have inspired others to do likewise.

This year we received 106 entries, ranging from small rural communities to inner city housingestates. Each project changes lives in a positive way, by encouraging both individuals andgroups to play a more active role in their local community.

Once again we are indebted to our sponsors IPB Insurance who have supported the programmefor many years. It clearly shows their commitment to community and voluntary enterprise. Ialso wish to thank Donegal County Council for hosting this year’s gala awards ceremony. I wouldparticularly like to thank the Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald for attending the event this eveningand being our keynote speaker.

I would like to acknowledge Tom Dowling, Chairman of the Pride of Place Committee. Asarchitect of the competition Tom has developed Pride of Place to become one of the mostprestigious community competitions on the island of Ireland. He and the entire judging panelare completely behind the ethos of the competition and give freely of their time and expertise.

Please enjoy reading this brochure, which gives a synopsis of all of the communities andprojects visited by the judges. However, it does not fully convey the passion and enthusiasmof the people involved, nor does it reflect the countless hours people have spent carrying outthe work.

I urge you to encourage others to read it too so they can become inspired by your efforts.

I wish you all a very enjoyable evening and continued success in all your projects.

Dr Christopher J Moran Chairman, Co-operation Ireland

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Contents


celebrating community spirit

Message from Tom Dowling, Chairman Pride of Place 2Welcome from Dr. Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland 3Welcome from Cathaoirleach of Donegal, Cllr Gerry McMonagle 6Message from IPB Insurance 8Co-operation Ireland Calendar of Events 10Co-operation Ireland Joint Patrons and Board 11

Nominees 12 - 44

2016 Winners 46

An Garda Síochána - Clare Teenage Disco Initiative 12Attymass, Co Mayo 12Back of the Pipes Residents Association/ Flanagan’s FieldsCommunity Garden, Rialto, Dublin City 13Ballinlough, Cork City 13Ballykeeffe Amphiteatre, Co Kilkenny 13Ballymacoda / Ladysbridge, Co Cork 13Ballyroan District, South Dublin County Council Area 14Barretstown Children’s Charity, Co Kildare 14Bawnboy, Co Cavan 14Birr Theatre and Arts Group, Co Offaly 14Black Friary Community Heritage & Archaeology Project, Co Meath 15Blarney Street, Cork City 15Bonfire Night Community Volunteers, Cork City 15Bornacoola, Co Leitrim 15Brawny Housing Estate, Athlone, Co Westmeath 16Brittas, South Dublin County Council Area 16Burren Lowlands, Co Galway 16Carigallen Village, Co Leitrim 16Carrick on Suir Collective, Co Tipperary 17Carrigtwohill, Co Cork 17Castlewellan Community Partnership, Co Down 17CLG Cuar an Chláir Health & Wellbeing Team 17Clonakilty, Co Cork 19Club Óige Chríost Rí, Co Donegal 19Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoith Dobhair (Gweedore Co-operative), Co Donegal 19Creative Arts Network, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim 19Cumas New Ross, Co Wexford 20Dreamscheme Northern Ireland 20Dunleer, Co Louth 21East Wicklow Youth Service - The VAULT 21Enniscrone, Co Sligo 21Erica’s Fairy Forest, Cootehill, Co Cavan 21Extern Traveller Network, Co Cavan 22Fassaroe (inc Bray Family Resource & Development ProjectCLG), Co Wicklow 22Fettercairn Youth Horse Project, South Dublin County Council Area 22 Fore, Co Westmeath 22Foroige Voluntary Summer Scheme, Cork City 23Galway County Comhairle na nÓg 23Galway Feminist Collective, Galway City 23Glenasmole, South Dublin County Council Area 23Glenbeigh, Co Kerry 25Grange Woodbine, Dublin City 25Heinrich Boll Committee, Achill, Co Mayo 25Hillview Estate, Ballinteer, Co Dublin, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council Area 25Iontas Arts & Community Centre, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan 26Kells Type Trail, Co Meath 26Kells Village, Co Kilkenny 26Kerry Social Farming Project 26Kiln Lane, Mountrath, Co Laois 27Lady’s Island Village, Co Wexford 27Lagan Valley Regional Park 28

Lann Elo & Tihilly Housing Associations, Tullamore, Co Offaly 28Latton and Bawn, Co Monaghan 28Lecarrow Benevolent Fund, Co Roscommon 28Let’s Get Galway Growing, Galway City 29Letterkenny Youth and Family Service, Co Donegal 29Lisnamult, Roscommon Town 30Lower Oldpark, Belfast 30Magheramason, Co Tyrone 30Maria Goretti Foundation Lordship, Co Louth 30Middletown Parish, Co Armagh 31Mitchelstown Community Council Ltd, Co Cork 31Moneymore Estate, Drogheda, Co Louth 32Mucky Paws Project, Derry City 32Mud Island Community Garden, Dublin City 32Mullaghmatt Cortolvin Estate, Monaghan Town 32New Oak Estate, Carlow Town 33Newpark Close, Kilkenny City 33Newry Rainbow Community 33Northside Youth Space – Ballynanty, Limerick City 33Oasis Youth Club, Portadown, Co Armagh 34Oileán Thoraí (Tory Island), Co Donegal 34Ongar, Dublin 15, Fingal Council Area 34Oughterard, Co Galway 34Portlaw, Co Waterford 35Rathdowney-Errill, Co Laois 35Ray, Co Donegal 35Rusheeney Estate, Blanchardstown, Fingal Council Area 35Sallynoggin, Co Dublin, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council Area 36Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, the Naul, Fingal Council Area 36Seymour Hill & Conway, Lisburn, Co Antrim 36Shawbrook Dance Centre, Legan, Co Longford 36Shine Alight Suicide and Mental Awareness, Cork City 37Signal Arts Centre, Bray, Co Wicklow 37Slane, Co Meath 37St Patrick’s Villas, Castleconnell, Co Limerick 37Street Feast, Co Wicklow 38TACU Maple Youth Centre, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo 38Tallaght Community Arts, South Dublin County Council Area 38Terenure, Dublin City 38The Acorn Project, Edenderry, Co Offaly 39The Acre Project, Celbridge, Co Kildare 39The Attic Youth Cafe Ltd, Longford Town 40The Courts, Ballymun, Dublin City 40The Dee Hub, Ardee, Co Louth 40The Village Salthill, Galway City 40Trim, Co Meath 41Tubbercurry Development Company – An Chroí, Co Sligo 41Tullahought, Co Kilkenny 41Tullycarnet, East Belfast 41Upper Springfield Youth Team, Belfast 42Victoria Bridge Village, Co Tyrone 42Westside Youth Project, Galway City 43Wildflower Alley, College Park Avenue, Belfast 43Whiddy Island, Co Cork 44WP Poetry, Co Cavan 44

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this brochure as regards contactdetails of communities/groups, these are naturally subject to change and we cannot guarantee accuracy or currency. If you arehaving difficultyin this regard kindly contact Maurice Inglis [email protected].

Thank you.

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INSURING IRELAND

IPB Insurance CLG, trading as IPB Insurance, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

For business in the UK, IPB Insurance is authorised by the Central Bankof Ireland and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority.

working to make a difference | www.ipb.ie

As Ireland’s only indigenous mutual insurer and wholly Irish-owned insurance company, IPB Insurance is dedicated to playing its part in building a better Ireland.

IPB is proud to support the Pride of Place Awards which recognises and celebrates community initiatives throughout the island of Ireland.

Message from IPB Insurance

Together with our partners Co-operation Ireland and the Pride of Placecommittee we are delighted to welcome you all to Letterkenny for the 15thannual All-Island IPB Pride of Place Competition in association with Co-operation Ireland.

This is now our sixth year as title sponsors of Pride of Place and over thatperiod we have seen huge growth in the competition’s popularity and inthe standard of community initiatives. IPB is committed to supporting thiscompetition because we believe it is the ideal platform to recognise thehuge strides being made in communities across the island of Ireland.

As a mutual insurer we share in the ethos of collaboration, which embodiesthe very spirit of Pride of Place. Every one of you here tonight is clear proofof the power of the collective and what can be achieved when people worktogether to achieve a common goal. It is truly humbling to be in thecompany of so many people who give freely of their time to make theircommunities a better place, a place which you can be proud to call yourhome.

At IPB, we are committed to protecting and supporting our local authorityMembers and their communities. The community spirit and camaraderiereflected by your respective initiatives, working closely with your localauthorities, is an inspiration deserving of recognition and encouragement.

Ireland’s greatest national resource has always been the generosity andwarmth of its people and tonight is essentially about celebrating this fact.Your efforts are a prime example of the vital importance of volunteerismin building sustainable liveable communities. These awards were createdfor you, Ireland’s local heroes, who have all contributed so much to makingthis island a great place to live, work and visit.

I would like to congratulate you again on your success to date and wisheach of you the very best for the future. Remember, no matter the outcometonight, each and every one of you are already winners.

With kind regards and best wishes,

George JonesChairman IPB Insurance

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Co-operation Ireland Calendar of Events 2018

For full information on Co-operaton Ireland Eventsplease contact the Events TeamTel +44 (0) 28 9032 1462E [email protected]

Co-operation Ireland’s vision is for

‘A peaceful and stable island where peopleof all backgrounds live and work togetherfor a better future.’

Our mission is

‘to sustain peace by helping to builda shared and cohesive society.’

Co-operation Ireland Joint PatronsHer Majesty The QueenPresident of Ireland Michael D Higgins

Co-operation Ireland Board MembersChairmanDr Christopher J. MoranChristopher Moran Group of Companies

Vice ChairmanJohn BrutonFormer Taoiseach

Board Members

Terence Brannigan Chairman, Tourism Northern Ireland

David Campbell CBE Party Chairman, Ulster Unionist Party

Jim Clerkin President and CEO, Moët Hennessy (USA)

Terry Crossan Former Chairman, Loughs Agency

Paula Dobriansky Senior Vice President and Head of Government Affairs (Americas), Thomson Reuters

Pat Doherty Harcourt Developments Ltd.

Mark Durkan Former Leader of the SDLP

Tom Hartley Former Lord Mayor, Belfast City Council

Mary Heaney Director, Global City Media

Ossie Kilkenny Special Olympics International, Washington

Sheila McClelland Chairperson - Consumer Council NI

Daithi O'Ceallaigh Director General, The Institute of International andEuropean Affairs

Sir Jonathan Phillips KCM Warden, Keble College, Oxford

Trevor Ringland MBE Partner, Macauley & Ritchie Solicitors

Rt. Hon Peter Robinson Former First Minister

James Walsh Government Affairs Counselor, K & L Gates LLP,(Washington)

Co-operation IrelandUnit 1 The CourtBridgefoot StreetDublin 8DO8 CC63Tel: +353 (0) 1 819 7692Fax: +353 (0) 1 894 4692

Co-operation Ireland5 Weavers Court Business ParkLinfield RoadBelfastBT12 5GHTel: +44 (0) 28 9032 1462Fax: +44 (0) 28 9089 1000

1 Feb Co-operation Ireland City of London DinnerAt the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers known as Stationers Hall, one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. Stationers Hall is situated close to St Paul’s Cathedral. Individual places or tables of 10 can be booked.

13 April Co-operation Ireland Golf ClassicAt the beautiful heathland course of St George’s Hill Golf Club in Weybridge, Surrey. This is a 4-ball Stableford event with a shotgun start at 08.45am.

19 April Co-operation Ireland Legal DinnerOne of the most prestigious dinners in London held for the legal profession at the exclusive Dorchester Hotel in London’s Park Lane. Individual places or tables of 10 and 12 can be booked.

19 May Co-operation Ireland Bike RideIn the beautiful Lakeland County of Fermanagh

June Co-operation Ireland Golf Classic, DublinEnter a 4-ball in this new event for 2018, to be held at the Darren Clarke designed Championship course at the Moyvalley Golf Resort, set amidst 550 acres of historic Kildare countryside.

June Co-operation Ireland RegattaA fabulous day sailing in the Solent. Each Farr Yacht is for 10 people and includes two professional sailors, all food for the day and an evening champagne dinner and reception aboard the historic Warrior in Portsmouth Harbour.

Sept Cork Golf ClassicThe annual Cork Golf Classic is being organised by members of Co-operation Ireland’s local Cork Committee at the beautiful inland links course of Castlemartyr Golf Resort, situated in one of the richest historical parts of Ireland, just a 20 minute drive from Cork.

Sept Co-operation Ireland Golf ClassicJoin us with a 4-ball at the annual Co-operation Ireland Golf Classic held at the historic Stratford-on-Avon Golf Club.

1 Oct 25th Anniversary of The Pat Jennings Golf ClassicIt’s not often you get the chance to play at one of the top golf courses in the world. Join football legend Pat Jennings at the annual Golf Classic held on the world famous links of Royal County Down.

1 Nov Co-operation Ireland Gala Ball Book your place for an evening of dining and dancing at London’s exclusive Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane. Individual tickets or tables of 10 and 12 are available.

4 Nov TCS New York City MarathonThe TCS New York City Marathon is undoubtedly the world’s no. 1 marathon. Starting at the Verrazano Bridge on Staten Island, runners cross into Brooklyn, through Queen’s, the Bronx and Manhattan before finishing in Central Park.

17 Nov IPB Pride of Place Awards Ceremony in association with Co-operation IrelandCulmination of Pride of Place Competition. Announcement of prize winners at Gala Dinner.

Email [email protected]

12 13

In September 2012, a multi-agency public order initiative tofacilitate the effective policing of teenage discos of Ennis townwas formulated by An Garda Síochána in Ennis. The initiative hasensured that teenagers have the opportunity to enjoy themselvesin a safe and controlled alcohol free environment. It has alsoassuaged parental concerns regarding the well-being of theirchildren. In brief, this multi-agency initiative involving Gardaí, CivilDefence, school staff, parents, paramedics, Fire Service staff andother stakeholders has resulted in monthly underage discosbeing held which cater for 1,800 teenagers from Co. Clare andneighbouring counties. Tangible benefits are reductions inassaults, drunkenness, complaints from members of the public,strengthening of multi-agency co-operation, parental andbusiness community involvement. The local economy benefitswith parents spending money in the town and the initiativeprovides a social outlet for teenagers and has enhanced Ennistown’s status as a ‘Purple Flag’ town. Group Contact: Supt Brendan [email protected]

An Garda Síochána - Clare Teenage Disco Initiative1

Attymass is a very scenic community in north Mayo which hasapproximately 150 families. It is the home of the Fr. Peyton Centre.The Centre commemorates the life and apostolic work of Fr.Peyton CSC; the Rosary Priest. It has a local community centre,which is used on a regular basis. The world famous river Moy flowsthrough the parish of Attymass and may be accessed from severaldifferent locations. A pre-famine cottage from Caradoogan in theparish of Attymass was carefully dismantled in 2002 and rebuiltstone by stone in New York where it supplies the centrepiece ofthe famine memorial. The memorial was formally opened in NewYork's Battery Park, with President Mary McAleese as guest ofhonour. With top-class schools and sports facilities the parishserves as an excellent example of making local democracy workto enhance local community development.Community Contact: Padraic [email protected]

Attymass, Co Mayo2

This once brown derelict sight has been turned into a green oasissurrounded by community endeavour, a hub that reflects thosearound it. The Garden is licensed to the Back of the PipesResidents Association (BOTP) by Dublin City Council and in itsshort existence the community has grown to include othergroups and individuals throughout the community. It alsowelcomes programmes and ideas that reinvent the garden yearon year, such as its use by The Bridge Project and The Parent andToddler Group. The garden reflects the work that theseassociations do to facilitate groups working together for theircommunity through events such as Bloomsday on the Barn,National Women’s Day, Ramadan and Christmas Carols. The workthey do, promoting Youth Groups, Men’s Shed, Day Care andCreche Facilities, is intrinsically connected to the garden andinsures its fullest potential as a community space.Group Contact: Bernie [email protected]

Back of the Pipes Residents Association/Flanagan’s Fields Community Garden,Rialto, Dublin City

3Ballinlough Community Association was founded in 1968 by localresidents who saw a need for a body in the parish to provide andcoordinate services for the local population. The Associationoperates from the Community Centre which is situated in theheart of Ballinlough and from where numerous clubs andcommunity facilities operate, including Meals on Wheels (whichprovided 11,000 Hot Meals for local residents last year), aMontessori school, Retirement Clubs, Indoor Bowls and a rangeof other activities. For next year’s 50th Anniversary a number ofnew projects are planned including an exhibition on the historyof the parish, an exhibition of all the clubs & associations in theparish who have a place in the centre, and they hope to take theopportunity to set the wheels in motion to build a day care centrefor the parish.Community Contact: Terry [email protected]

Ballinlough, Cork City4

Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre was founded in 1986 by a group of localpeople in order to develop and promote communitydevelopment. The Amphitheatre is a creative “Green Venue’’ witha nature reserve which contains a varied content of wild life andwoodland greenery. The venue has a wonderful walled backdropof limestone in a natural setting that includes a quarry andwoodland that is steeped in local history. It is managed andadministered by the KBK (Kilnamanagh, Ballycallan & Killaloe)community group whose focus is on providing a local creativeplace for local and national acts to perform. The Amphitheatre ismaintained tirelessly by volunteers who are members of the KBK.The Amphitheatre and environs are used for numerous activitiesincluding rock climbing and there are a variety of walking routesand an interesting Seomra Glas (an innovative class room that isused to study wildlife in the woods). Group Contact: Matt O’[email protected]

Ballykeeffe Amphiteatre, Co Kilkenny5

The villages of Ballymacoda and Ladysbridge are situated in verypicturesque East Cork by the Womanagh River. It’s origins pre-date Cromwellian times and the area is peppered with ruinedcastles and tower houses indicating its strategic position close tothe bustling medieval town of Youghal. In the mid-1990s a groupof dedicated locals set up the Community Council as acommunity development organisation to help revive an areaaffected by emigration and decline. This year the 21st anniversaryof the council is being celebrated. The council which has evolvedto become a dynamic and energetic organisation engaged inprojects ranging from celebrating heritage to caring for the oldermembers in the community to enhancing villages, providingnecessary services and amenities and caring for the fantasticassets of coastline and environment. With two councillors electedfrom each area, there is a great sense of communityrepresentation, inclusion and involvement by all at every level.Community Contact: Sandra [email protected]

Ballymacoda/Ladysbridge, Co Cork6

14 15

There is a great spirit of cooperation between the communitygroups in Bawnboy Co. Cavan. Most of the activities are centredaround the old Workhouse, which is set on a height overlookingthe village. The other groups in the village are the Men’s Shed andthe Tidy towns. In 2010 a group of volunteers set up a committeeto preserve the workhouse. They restored windows, saved theslates off the roofs, made wooden doors for the entrance gate,and raised Leader money to create a public walkway in thegrounds of the workhouse. The Facebook Page is “BawnboyWorkhouse” and there is a general internet site for the village atwww.bawnboy.com. There is strong support from Cavan Co.Council who leased the Workhouse building to the group. TheMen’s Shed which was set up in the workhouse is a welcomingplace for people to drop in and feel at home.Community Contact: Dymphna [email protected]

Bawnboy, Co Cavan9

Birr’s entry into the Creative Place Initiative category in Pride ofPlace 2017 for Offaly reflects its wide range of cultural andcreative projects. These include the voluntary run Birr Theatreand Arts Centre with its year round programme of events andactivities; the Birr Stage Guild musical and theatre productions;Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival Centre in August (currently inits 49th year). Over the last decade Birr has developed HullabalooChildren’s Arts Festival, OFFline Film and Scripts Playwritingfestivals and this year sees the inaugural Birr Festival of Music andVoice. Artistic exhibition space is regularly utilised; and theFamous and Notable Walking Trail project and the Birr TownWalking Trail have also been developed. Local artists are active inexploring the establishment of an artists’ hub in the town. Birrhas built its cultural offerings through extensive volunteersupport; local business buy-in and wide collaboration in thecommunity.Group Contact: Emma Nee [email protected]

Birr Theatre and Arts Group, Co Offaly10

Volunteerism in Ballyroan began in the 1970s, when a group ofhousewives came together to form the “Ballyroan Voluntary SocialWorkers Corps”- providing a helping hand to housewives in needand the elderly - through social visits, shopping, childminding,hospital visits, cooking and care. The building of the CommunityCentre in 1981, with a modern kitchen provided a central locationfor a range of activities and services, including daily meals-on–wheels, cooked and delivered by a corps of over 150 volunteers.Further re-development of the Community & Youth Centre in2010, now led by a voluntary Board, enables a very wide range ofactivities including singing, dancing, visiting, exercising, andplaying cards. Valuable employment is provided and there isactive engagement with TUS and CE work placement schemes.The Community hub of Community Centre, Church, Library,Pastoral Centre and shops completes the wider range of servicesand supports which make Ballyroan such an integratedcommunity today.Community Contact: Hillary Kenny [email protected]

Ballyroan District, South Dublin County Council Area7

Barretstown offers free, specially designed camps andprogrammes for children and their families living with a seriousillness while supported behind the scenes by 24 hour on sitemedical and nursing care. Founded by Paul Newman in 1994,Barretstown has grown from serving 124 children in 1994 to over2,500 children and their families plus an additional 2,800 throughour Hospital Outreach Programmes. The mission is to rebuild thelives of children affected by serious illness, and their families,through a life changing Therapeutic Recreation programme in asafe, fun and supportive environment. All of the children andfamilies come to Barretstown free of charge. Everything, includingaccommodation, food and medical assistance are provided at nocost. Fundraising and 1,700 volunteers help provide theBarretstown programme. Barretstown is recognised as a centreof excellence in childhood cancer care and other serious illnessesand is endorsed by leading medical professionals.Group Contact: Jane [email protected]

Barretstown Children’s Charity, Co Kildare8

This is the 10th year of the Bonfire Night Initiative in Cork City.June 23rd – St John’s Eve – is traditionally linked to the summersolstice but the night had become synonymous with anti-socialbehaviour and environmental degradation. Communities acrossCork came together to organise family events in the City’s parksto provide an alternative to the illegal bonfire parties. Withsupport from the City Council and others they looked to changethe culture around bonfire night. Large-scale family fun nightsare now held in five city parks – as well as some smaller events.The events are all different but might include music,entertainment, face painting, bouncy castles and arts and crafts.Some parks have maintained the tradition of fires and DOWTCHA,a local arts group work with young people to create firesculptures. Now, over 50 community groups are involved inorganising events which attract over 10,000 people – and fireservice call outs have halved!Group Contact: Sandra O’[email protected]

Bonfire Night Community Volunteers,Cork City13

Bornacoola is a small vibrant rural parish on the Leitrim/ Longfordborder with a strong sense of community. It is focused around theBornacoola Community Centre and Bornacoola GAA. BornacoolaCommunity Development built a community centre 25 years agoto provide a focal point and a much needed facility that is nowhome to the Active Age Group, the Bornacoola Drama Group, avariety of classes and other groups. Recently the centre wasextended with the help of Leitrim Leader funding to provide apurpose built Youth Club (€130,000). Funding for the work of thedevelopment association comes largely from the very successfulLough Rynn Harvest Festival and Vintage Day which is now in its23rd year. Almost everybody is involved in making this a greatcommunity event. The funds raised allows the DevelopmentAssociation to sponsor the Youth Club, GAA and other groups aswell as maintaining the community centre and other parishpublic areas e.g. local cemetery -Cloonmorris.Community Contact: John [email protected]

Bornacoola, Co Leitrim14

This is a community project using heritage as a tool for socialinclusion, community engagement and to regenerate apreviously neglected site. It runs parallel with the phasedexcavation of the 13th century Dominican Friary in Trim, Co.Meath. The project is a collaboration between the South MeathArea Response to Teenagers (SMART), Irish Archaeology FieldSchool, Dig it Kids, Cultural Tourism Ireland, Schools in Trim(primary and post primary), Trim Tidy Towns, Mother and ToddlerGroup, overseas and Irish students, Trim Living History Group,Trim Men’s Shed and the Heritage Office. Key community basedyouth initiatives include the development of a community gardenand orchard modelled on medieval garden, an extensiveeducational and outreach programme, community archaeologydig and an oral history project. The project has an active onlinepresence through www.iafs.ie and its own dedicated communityFacebook page Blackfriary Community and Heritage Project.Group Contact: Cathleen [email protected]

Black Friary Community Heritage &Archaeology Project, Co Meath11

The Community Association was founded in 1980 to promotepositive community spirit and provide community activityopportunities for people. They purchased the Old Rock School in1980 and in 1981 a second Community Centre was opened in theOld Strawberry hill school. The Blarney Street area is a historic partof Cork City, with a unique character and tradition – it isrecognised as the longest Street in Ireland and thus requires a lotof attention from the Community Association to ensure the areahas a better quality of life. There is a hive of activity under theumbrella of the Association, who regularly undertake researchand consultation with the residents to identify needs andopportunities. The association is very active in neighbourhoodwatch and other safety initiatives. The Tidy Street Group is afantastic success with Saturday street cleaning every week. Theyhave also provided two murals to welcome visitors and providehanging baskets & planting areas.Community Contact: Tom Coleman [email protected]

Blarney Street, Cork City12

16 17

Burren Lowlands CLG is a voluntary rural development projectestablished to address the economic decline of south Galway. Itsaim is to make South Galway ‘A Better Place to Live, Work and Visit’by developing the local resources. Having achieved a REDZ grant,it is now embarking on a Town Renewal project for Gort. It hasbeen instrumental in attracting a loop from the Wild Atlantic Wayand operates a volunteer based local VIP tourist office. Burren Bizis a business network which the group set up to support and growthe regional SME sector. Burren Lowlands CLG is a true exampleof community resilience and bottom-up approach initiativetakers. It is bringing alive the potential of its landscape, heritage,location, assets, and as importantly, community members. Ittakes courage, commitment and perseverance to strive forchange, so being nominated to represent County Galway in thePride of Place Competition will go a long way in sustaining itsambition. Group Contact: Cllr Joe [email protected]

Burren Lowlands, Co Galway17

Carrigallen Development Company Ltd was established in 1993succeeding the Development Association (established 1963). Itwas formed largely to promote the village as a destination foroverseas anglers given Carrigallen’s location amongst one of thefinest fishing areas in the country. There is the added advantageof the ‘Town Lake’ providing a scenic backdrop to the village. Inaddition to successfully establishing Carrigallen as a popularangling destination, the Development Company has led anumber of village enhancement schemes working with the localauthority, Leitrim Development Company and many otheragencies. The most recent example of this can be seen adjacentto the Community Centre and Cornmill Theatre where workingwith St. Mary’s Parish & Leitrim County Council’s 1916 CentenaryCommittee a much needed car park was put in place along witha 1916 Memorial Garden. Community Contact: Paddy O’[email protected].

Carigallen Village, Co Leitrim18

Brawny Estate supports both private and social housing. Thepopulation represents many different groupings such as peoplewith disabilities, lone parents, employed and unemployed andsome minority groups. The estate has in the last number of yearsbonded to repair, enhance and develop the area. Short, mediumand long term plans were developed in consultation withresidents. Many of the short term goals have been implementedand this encourages more participation from the residents. Manyareas within the estate fall under the SICAP umbrella, and overthe last number of years the community has worked with variousagencies to provide the necessary resources & supports. Theestate has actively engaged with Westmeath County Councilthrough its participation in the Public Participation Network (PPN)and other agencies such as the National Men’s Shed Association,Tidy Towns, Youth Work Ireland Midlands, Midland Alcohol andDrugs Taskforce, Athlone Womens Network, GAA and FAI to namebut a few.Community Contact: Keith [email protected]

Brawny Housing Estate, Athlone, Co Westmeath15

Briotás (a direct borrowing of the old French Bretesche, meaningbordering) Village has 200 plus residents. In testament to thevillagers’ commitment to social and community involvement,social events are held in the local centre to develop networks andaddress isolation. Due to the success of these gatherings, andobvious need, a Tidy Towns group was established to organiseClean up and Planting days to enhance the beauty of the villageand to reach out to all members of the Community. Achievementsinclude setting up a neighbourhood watch, building an allotmentfor the primary school, organising talks on local history deliveredby local people and developing a heritage project in thecommunity garden, along with a 1916 memorial. All are invitedto join in to make the village a great place in which to live. Thevillage has a three-year plan in progress and is very proud of theachievements so far.Community Contact: Ruth Frost [email protected]

Brittas, South Dublin County Council Area16

The group is a community based initiative established to buildlocal self-esteem and restore pride. Castlewellan is one of themost deprived areas of Northern Ireland, with a high populationof young people and meeting their needs is one of the priorities.The group leases the Community Centre from the Council and isresponsible for its overall operation. The group ensures that it isopen to everyone with the focus on: Youth Initiatives; VulnerableGroups; Intergenerational Activities; Health and Wellbeing;Sporting Activities; Skills and Employability Services. Inpartnership with the Council (NMDDC) through a ServiceLevel/Facility Management Agreement it provides: YouthServices; Sporting Activities; Early Start Playgroups and a cross –community meeting place for a wide range of groups. To ensurethe sustainability of the centre and meet the needs of the youngpeople the group secured substantial funding from the NorthernIreland Executive to improve and extend the range of communityfacilities, services and redevelopment of the building.Group Contact: Felix [email protected]

Castlewellan Community Partnership,Co Down 21

In an era of increasing rural isolation, CLG Cuar an Chláir Health& Wellbeing Team, a group of willing volunteers has tackled sucha malaise, head-on. The team, now the heartbeat of thecommunity, has reached out to engage with the locals regardlessof profile, to ensure full inclusion. The group reaches out to activeand importantly non-active members of the community initiatingand succeeding in running events such as Together on Thursday– Coffee Morning with Learnings, Family Walks, Mature Movers,Jive Classes and an Art Competition for the upcoming emblem.Plans are now in motion for further initiatives includinggardening, comedy nights, outdoor fitness, health forum,recruitment forum as well as the relaunch of local youth club &drama society. The plan is to strive to grow and offer the area thespirit of a healthy mind and body all whilst improving daily livesin the communities. Group Contact: Malin Kelly [email protected]

CLG Cuar an Chláir, Health & Wellbeing Team,Co Clare

22

This is a collective application nominating Carrick on Suir StrandTheatre/ Musical Society, The Brewery Lane Theatre & Arts Centreand The Tudor Artisan Hub. These venues and groups collectivelyshowcase the very best of Irish Arts & Culture in theatre, musicals,music, arts, film, writing and crafts. The combined culture ofcreativity within Carrick on Suir involves every sector of thecommunity as well as generations of story tellers, musicians,thespians, performers, crafts and design. The community hasprovided venues to nurture, support and encourage this activity,nurturing generations of talent, and foster a network of creativityto engage with all within its environs across all disciplines andregardless of age or ability. Individually each group has earnednational honours and recognition, which has collectively led tothe creation of a vibrant community, ambitious to succeed andcreate opportunities to showcase and develop talents and athriving arts scene.Group Contact: Linda [email protected]

Carrick on Suir Collective, Co Tipperary19

If Carrigtwohill had a mission statement it would be to develop atrue spirit of community among the residents and those workingin the area so that all members of the community are supportedby and supportive of one another. Carrigtwohill as a society is notaloof in its dealings with people whether it’s in welcomingmultinationals or new residents. In the shops, schools, businesses,clubs, organisations and community groups a great effort is madeby all to create a sustainable and welcoming community. In fact,at a recent primary school’s 60th anniversary celebrations, 32different nationalities were represented. This is best exemplifiedby the St. Patrick’s Day Parade where 90 mostly new volunteersorganise a wonderful day for all the community. In the past manypeople would leave the area to attend parades elsewhere. 3000people have stayed in their community to watch 80 floats and tointeract, and talk to their friends and neighbours.Communty Contact: Ollie [email protected]

Carrigtwohill, Co Cork20

18 19

Ó bunaíodh Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair tá angrúpa deonach seo lárnach i gcaomhnú agus cuir chun cinn naGaeilge, agus gach gné de chultúr agus d’oidhreacht ceantarGhaoth Dobhair. Gaoth Dobhair is known as a cradle of traditionalculture, with old Irish customs, traditional music, theatre, Gaelicgames and the Irish language playing a pivitol role in local lives.The cultural heritage of the area has provided a great source ofinspiration for musical artists such as Clannad and Altan. Thegroup’s efforts have resulted in a revival of traditional Irish cultureand heritage especially among young people. Since 2008 thegroup has promoted and provided classes in traditional music,singing, spoken word and drama. The group has played a centralrole in the recent re-opening of the Irish language theatre,Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair, which will act as a catalyst for thefuture regeneration of the cultural heritage of this Gaeltacht area.Group contact: Marjorie Uí [email protected]

Comharchumann Forbartha GhaoithDobhair (Gweedore Co-operative),Co Donegal

25Manorhamilton has achieved a unique status in Ireland as a centrefor creativity and innovation with a wide spectrum of artists, craft-workers, actors, musicians and others who have all expanded,integrated into and diversified the local economy over the pasttwenty years. Although centred around key organisations such asthe Leitrim Sculpture Centre; Glens Centre; and Bee ParkCommunity Centre, the Creative Arts Network boasts 28organisations/partners across North Leitrim. It was establishedduring the Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ) initiativedeveloped in partnership with Leitrim County Council & theLeitrim Enterprise Board during 2015/16. A key network ethos is‘creativity for all’ and increased collaboration across areas such asArts Festivals; Public Space & Infrastructure; Marketing &Promotion, Tourism, Education & Youth Development. TheNetwork has already brought and sustained employment andeconomic benefits to business & tourism across the region andtapped into the collaborative potential of the place.Group Contact: Sean O’[email protected]

Creative Arts Network, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim 26

Clonakilty has long been known as the beach centre of west Cork.Clonakilty is well known as a tourist destination and has recentlycompleted a number of public realm enhancements which havebeen long in planning and provide a modern streetscape whichcomplement the preserved shop fronts in the town. The town hasnot rested on its laurels and has continued to develop attractionsfor the benefit of all visitors to the town, concentrating on localhistory in an effort to attract the culturally curious. Clonakilty isnot just a town for visitors but is a good place for the locals to live,the nightly litter picks are a social occasion rather than a socialchore.Community Contact Justin [email protected]

Clonakilty, Co Cork23

Located in Ionad Mhachaire Rabhartaigh in the DonegalGaeltacht, Club Óige Chríost Rí aims to develop, implement,maintain and evaluate a variety of quality youth programmes andactivities to all young people in the area. This voluntary run youthclub opened a new youth café called Oileán na nÓg in 2015. Thishas allowed the committee to create a safe, supervised space foryoung people to gather for recreational, social and educationalpurposes ensuring best practice at all times. The purpose builtyouth café was provided with substantial grant aid but alsothrough local fundraising that has resulted in a new focus onyouth centred activities. The young people have also participatedin training programmes including, personal development, peerleadership and exploring personal identity. The youth café hasbecome a centre recognised for positive youth participation andis a project of which the community is very proud.Group Contact: Máire Mhic Phá[email protected]

Club Óige Chríost Rí,Co Donegal24

20 21

Dunleer is a thriving community, situated midway betweenDundalk and Drogheda. Originating from the sixth centuryChristian monastery of Lann Leire, today this market town islocated adjacent to the busy M1 motorway. Over the last fewyears, Dunleer has changed from a mainly rural town to anexpanding commuter corridor. Despite these challenges, theyhave managed to retain a strong community spirit. The DunleerCommunity Development Board, set up in 1998, is composed ofrepresentatives from 26 community groups, and has contributedgreatly to development in the town. A strong culture ofvolunteerism existed long before then with the dynamic DunleerTidy Towns group, who have been active for almost forty years.The restoration of the Market House has also provided a valuablefocal point and, recently named as a ‘Better Energy Community’,this is a progressive, forward-thinking town and is a valuablementor for other communities.Community Contact: Eugene [email protected]

Dunleer, Co Louth29

The VAULT – Arklow Youth Centre is a community initiative foryoung people aged 10-24 years. The service provides supportsand opportunities for young people using the followingmethodologies: Drop In service (open 6 days per week offering asafe place for young people to hangout and build positiverelationships); Outreach (staff go out to meet with young peoplewho otherwise may not engage with the service); Advocacy (onissues such as early school leaving, housing, rights andentitlements, youth justice); Group Work (includes LGBTI support,leadership, music, art, youth employment initiative); DrugPrevention and Education Supports; Summer Programmes andThemed Events. The VAULT prioritises work with those most inneed. It is the Mission of The VAULT to provide a safe space foryoung people which is inclusive, welcoming and respectful. It willpromote a sense of belonging and participation and enhance thecontribution young people make to the wider community. Group Contact: Linda Lambert [email protected]

East Wicklow Youth Service - The VAULT30

Cumas New Ross in Co. Wexford facilitates people with supportneeds in the locality to achieve their full potential with aphilosophy that promotes choice, independence andempowerment in their lives. Cumas believes everyone canpositively contribute to their community and opportunities areexplored to demonstrate this through the many communitygroups and networks involved with the individuals that theorganisation supports. Established in 1976, the organisationchanged their approach to support delivery in 2012 and put theperson at the core of everything and facilitates self-direction inhow the organisation delivers support. Evolving since 2012, andwith the Individuals’ desires for new experiences, communityinvolvement has expanded significantly, not only in the contextof being part of it, but also in the sense of providing value in termsof showing the New Ross and wider communities whatindividuals have to offer through getting to know them and theirabilities.Group Contact: Anne [email protected]

Cumas New Ross, Co Wexford27

Dreamscheme Northern Ireland is a youth developmentorganisation that helps at-risk young people in housing estatesmake positive choices and participate in positive communityaction. Working in partnership with the local Police andCommunity Partnership, Dreamscheme has identified groups ofyoung people that are participating in risk-taking behaviours,such as alcohol and drugs abuse, or anti-social behaviour, such asintimidating residents and vandalising property. In the past year,young people have undertaken 736 acts of community servicewhich they would otherwise not have done, such as hostingintergenerational Christmas dinners, visiting nursing homes andvideo recording elderly people’s stories. Young people have alsoplanted flowers in community spaces, tidied up after bonfirenight and painted positive graffiti on public walls. Young peoplehave also benefited from a range of educational workshopsdelivered by Dreamscheme, dealing with key issues such as sexand relationships, self-esteem and mental health, drugs andalcohol abuse.Group Contact: Stephen [email protected]

Dreamscheme Northern Ireland28

Enniscrone is a place of great natural beauty along the WildAtlantic Way. As well as 6km of beautiful beach, Enniscrone issteeped in folklore relating to the legendary Black Pig. The arrivalof a Boeing 767 has generated international interest and hasfirmly placed Enniscrone on the map as a place to discover. Fromsport to music, culture and festivals Enniscrone has something tooffer everyone, both residents and visitors alike. EnniscroneEvents Committee along with other groups strives to showcasethe town as a top tourist destination. The voluntary committeeworks hard on a year-round basis to deliver exciting events suchas The Black Pig Festival; a four day festival including music, familyfun, art and comedy. Other events include the St. Patrick's Dayparade, New Year swim, Christmas lights and fundraising eventsfor local charities. Efforts have helped to support jobs, attracttourists and foster a sense of pride within this vibrant coastalcommunity.Community Contact: Joe [email protected]

Enniscrone, Co Sligo31

Erica’s fairy forest, located in the beautiful surrounding of Halton’sAmenity Park, allows children of all ages as well as local schoolsto discover fairy doors, a worry plaque, a wishing chair, picnicareas, fairy post box, hobbit door and dummy collection. Everyseason sees new themes and events such as the free Easter EggTrail, attended by over 1000 children. A local committee has beenestablished for upkeep and event management, working closelywith Cootehill Area Development. It has inspired local artists tocommission pieces of art displayed within the forest. Localbusinesses have benefitted from increased tourism. Erica’s FairyForest was created by Erica’s parents to honour her memory andbelief in fairies. During Erica’s challenge of childhood cancer thelocal community fundraised to support the family. Erica diedbefore benefiting from these funds, however they made the fairyforest possible. It is a heartfelt ‘Thank you’ from Erica’s family tothe community. Group Contact: Natasha O’[email protected]

Erica’s Fairy Forest, Cootehill, Co Cavan 32

22 23

In 2007, Extern embarked on a journey of engaging, recruiting,training and managing a Traveller Primary Health care team forCounty Cavan. Sixteen workers are currently employed. Thesewomen have worked with traveller families to promote healthylife style options and have embraced the arts as a way to expresstheir voice and raise awareness of health concerns. Recently thegroups participated in Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Cavan withexhibitions of traveller art. They were invited to speak at thePeace Boat to local and national politicians raising travellerrelated issues. They participate in the annual Culture Nightprogramme in County Cavan and engage with artists throughoutthe year. In 2015 with support from Cavan County Council thegroup commissioned Mike Stone, photographer to make a seriesof portraits of them. This exhibition - Ireland’s Minority: Is anyonelistening? was in Co. Cavan in 2016 and 2017 and is travelling tonew venues. Group Contact: Ita [email protected]

Extern Traveller Network, Co Cavan33

Cheile Community Choir based in Fassaroe, Little Bray Co.Wicklow was set up in March 2016 with a mission to includeeveryone regardless of age, qualification or background. Therewere no auditions no strict rules - the only requirement for joiningwas a willingness to participate in a weekly activity withenthusiasm and openness to sing with other people of all abilities,ages and backgrounds. The choir now has a membership of 48.The motivation behind the project is to promote communityinvolvement and cohesion including an increased awareness ofpositive actions within the community and the communities ownpower in determining what is best for them. The idea of the choirdeveloped because people in the community demonstrated aneed to step into celebration mode and lift the hearts of theircommunity. Ongoing development of the choir aims to build aninclusive choir, promote wellbeing and embrace the communityby including younger members.Community Contact: Niamh Wogan [email protected]

Fassaroe (inc Bray Family Resource &Development Project CLG), Co Wicklow

34

Fettercairn Youth Horse Project (FYHP) is a community-ownedequine facility in a disadvantaged urban area in Tallaght. Relyingon volunteers to support staff twenty stables and an arena are inoperation seven days a week. The purpose is to develop thepersonal, social, equine and vocational skills of young people byproviding recreational, educational, training and employmentopportunities. Services are delivered to a number of groupsincluding travellers, schools and youth groups, children withphysical/learning disabilities and young people from sociallyexcluded groups. Accredited training programmes are providedfor young people. FYHP operates at the weekend for the generalpopulation in the County. Annually over 1600 people directlybenefit from the project (participation, training and employment)and FYHP delivered 8295 lessons. This project has changedattitudes towards young people in urban areas fostering theirpassion for horses by creating an inclusive and innovativecommunity project.Group Contact: Ann [email protected]

Fettercairn Youth Horse Project,South Dublin County Council Area 35

Fore is a tiny village tucked into a glacial valley in northWestmeath. The people share beautiful surroundings with thehandsome built heritage of Ireland’s ancient and medieval past.The community has a specific focus on working together tosupport where needed, provide where necessary and help whererequired. The traditional values of the rural meitheal havetransferred from the fields and into groups so a wealth of talentand skills is brought to a diverse range of activities includingfundraising, coaching, training, arts, music, drama, mindfulnessand tourism. And sometimes it is just about creating a time tocatch up. The community works closely with groups inneighbouring villages and are fortunate to occupy a countycorner where there is ongoing socialising with communities inCavan, Longford and Meath.Community Contact: Una D’[email protected]

Fore, Co Westmeath36

The Galway Feminist Collective was established in February 2015and is a grassroots community group including feminist activists,artists, musicians, writers and film-makers. As a collective, the aimis to be as inclusive as possible, representing the diverseexperiences of women living in Galway. As an intersectionalfeminist group, the collective aims to make spaces specifically forwomen’s voices that are often marginalised by mainstreamfeminist discussions including women of colour, Traveller women,the LGBTQ community, women with disabilities, womenexperiencing poverty and sex workers. In doing so feminism islinked to interconnected areas such as environmental issues,women’s health, gender based violence, racism and developmentdiscourses to name a few. In 2016 the Collective organised ‘The FWord’, Galway’s first feminist festival which focused on creativeways to explore, discuss and give visibility to feminist issuesthrough the arts. It also included direct action, workshops anddiscussions on various feminist issues.Group Contact: Jacinta [email protected]

Galway Feminist Collective, Galway City39

The picturesque valley of Glenasmole in the Dublin Hills stretchesfrom St. Anne’s Church to the Glenasmole Community Centre. TheGlenasmole Community Association was formed in 1970 and hasprovided life-long education and friendships for members. Localservices provided include: a Mother and Toddler Play School, aYouth Club, a Drama Group and a range of Health and Wellbeingclinics for senior citizens. As the Community Centre approachesits 50th anniversary, the focus is now on both the Preservationand Celebration of the Community's proud history, but alsopreparing for the future to conserve the rural way of life. The 'Ceiliat the Crossroads' and the Tractor Run have now become key localsocial events. Preparing for the future, the local Parish Hall wasredeveloped in 2014 and major renovations of the communitycentre are currently being planned. The community alsoparticipates annually in the PURE Mile and has linked in withseveral tourism initiatives.Community Contact: John [email protected]

Glenasmole, South Dublin County Council Area40

Summer Schemes grew out of the need to have positive activitiesover the long summer holidays for large youth populations inlocal authority housing areas on the Northside of Cork City in thelate 1970s. Forty years on what makes Foróige Summer Schemes unique isthat they are established and involve adult volunteers takingresponsibility for the young people in their communities -schemes work with a younger age category involving parents ofthe young people in the process. Summer Schemes are animportant part of community life and culture in Cork, many of theyoung people who took part as children are now adults sendingtheir own children along or are involved themselves as adulthelpers. In some Cork communities three generations of familiesare involved in the local scheme. Since its inception, a total of130,676 children have enjoyed and benefited from involvementin the Schemes.Group Contact: Marie O’[email protected]

Foróige Voluntary Summer Scheme,Cork City37 Comhairle na nÓg Chontae na Gaillimhe is the youth council for

Galway County and provides a mechanism for young peoplebetween the ages of 12 and 18 to have a voice in decision makingat a local level. In Galway young people meet up regularly in sixlocal areas and organise a local event where young people fromall the schools in the area are invited. They form local committeesfrom which a county-wide committee is formed selecting a keyissue on which to take action every couple of years. In 2017, theyoung people chose the topic of "Supporting Refugees" as theirpriority issue and are working at local and county level to findways to support the Syrian refugee families, and especiallychildren who have been resettled in the County.Group contact: Deirdre [email protected]

Galway County Comhairle na nÓg38

24 25

Glenbeigh is cosily tucked into a surrounding horseshoe of hills.The Caragh and Behy Rivers flow at either side of the village intoCastlemaine Harbour. Beautiful blue flag Rossbeigh Beach boastssix miles of sand. Community spirit is palpable as evidenced inthe work of Tidy Towns, walkway development, sportingachievements and responses to challenges posed by coastalerosion and rural decline. This community appreciates the naturalenvironment and is building on this asset. The community has developed enviable sporting infrastructureincluding a football pitch and a community hall. Local activitiesinclude walking, fishing, surfing, kayaking and horse trekking onRossbeigh Beach. A recent achievement includes Glenbeigh-Glencar’s memorable AIB All-Ireland junior club footballchampionship final success at Croke Park.However it is the hospitality and friendliness of the people thatmatters most and the manner in which the community takes careof those who live in and visit this lovely place.Group Contact: Vera O’[email protected]

Glenbeigh, Co Kerry41

Grange Woodbine Residents Association (GWRA) is approachingits 50th Anniversary. Today GWRA is still tending to the needs ofthe local community. The Association is managed by an ExecutiveCommittee elected at its AGM. During its existence the GWRAestablished a club premises which now includes a large hall,meeting/activity rooms and an all weather pitch. The GWRAExecutive Committee manages these facilities and the costs ofrunning the club facilities are largely funded by a licensed barfacility. Various subcommittees run activities and events forresidents and the club has approximately twenty groups oractivities and the following is a selection of them:- ActiveRetirement, Arts and Crafts, Ballroom Dancing, Bowling, Children’Dancing, Drama, Environment, Football Club, Golf Society,Exercise Classes, Knit and Stitch, Bridge Groups, Pitch and Putt,Seniors Club, Social and Events Committees, Tarred and FeatheredGroup, Variety and the Walk and Talk Group.Community Contact: Bernie Lillis [email protected]

Grange Woodbine, Dublin City42

Heinrich Boll, the nobel prize-winning writer, spent his summersfrom 1950 to 1985, in Achill. He wrote most of his novels in hisDugort home - a safe and beautiful retreat. Since 1992, adedicated local committee, The Heinrich Boll Association, hasbeen organising artists’ residencies in the Heinrich Boll cottage.The artistic quality of the programme has ensured annual fundingfrom both the Arts Council of Ireland and Mayo County Council,in conjunction with the Heinrich Boll Foundation, Germany andthe Family of Heinrich Boll. At least 300 artists from all over theworld have benefitted from the programme in the past 25 years.The cottage celebrates Heinrich Boll by offering a quiet, inspiringspace for artists. The artistic programme has provided access tohigh-quality arts events for the local community, spanningreadings, workshops and recitals. There is broad recognition ofthe value and benefit to the community of the Boll ResidencyProgramme..Group Contact: John [email protected]

Heinrich Boll Committee, Achill, Co Mayo43

Hillview Estate is a Local Authority estate situated in Ballinteerwhich is on the west side of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Councilarea. The original estate comprised 108 homes and was built in1972/ 73. Regeneration took place from 2001 / 2003 with thedemolition of the flat complexes and the building of 106 newhouses and apartments. Hillview Estate Management Forum wasset up in 2004 in partnership with Dun Laoghaire RathdownCounty Council. Since then the estate has been transformed andenhanced through the voluntary work of local residents toimprove the environment for themselves and the widercommunity. Through the planting of trees, shrubs and flowers,the removal of graffiti, the placing of name stones and workingin partnership with the Council the Forum has helped to promoteownership, social inclusion and community engagement in theestate.Community Contact: Pat Graydon [email protected]

Hillview Estate, Ballinteer, Co Dublin,Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council Area 44

Kerry County Council would like to warmly welcome and congratulatethe work of our two nominees for this year’s IBP Pride of Place

Competition in association with Co-operation Ireland

e Kerry Social Farming Project is Kerry County Council’s nominatedentry under the Community Reaching Out Initiative. is excellent

project provides meaningful opportunities for participants withdisabilities in Kerry to develop new skills and experience the rural wayof life through the voluntary commitment, enthusiasm and support ofthe local farming community, the service providers, their families and

local volunteers.

Glenbeigh Community Council is the Council’s nominated entryunder the Population Category 0 – 300. is community led projectepitomises all that is best in rural village life in Kerry and is sustained

through the active and voluntary contribution of all sectors of thecommunity working together to enhance the lives of locals and

visitors alike.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi

Comhairle Contae ChiarraíKerry County Council

26 27

Kiln Lane is a community of mixed housing in Mountrath,comprising residents from Kiln Lane, Clonbarrow and An Garáinestates, whose cooperation as a group dates back to the mid1980s. Their great efforts to bring together this small communitycan be seen in the hard work of local volunteers grasscutting andplanting and the organisation of very successful estate events,including a 1916 commemorative event and family fun days, allextremely well supported locally. Educational efforts for youngand old can be seen in the horticultural projects, poly tunnel andother programmes. Their community building houses a motherand toddler group and provides a space for activities includingarts and crafts and Glee club. They opened their playground andgames area in 2009. Housing up to three generations in somecases, this estate displays great respect for family legacy andcommitment to ensuring the estate’s pride, illustrated by anumber of local awards.Community Contact: Margaret [email protected]

Kiln Lane, Mountrath, Co Laois49

The picturesque village of Lady’s Island lies on a peninsula in themost south-easterly corner of Ireland, where the Atlantic Oceanand the Irish Sea converge. Lady’s Island lake (Loch Tochair) is aNational Heritage Area, a European Important Bird Area and aSpecial Protection Area. The lagoon nature of the lake makes italmost unique in Europe and an area of great ecologicalsignificance. One of only two Marian shrines in Ireland, Lady’sIsland was founded as a Christian site in the 6th century and hasbecome distinguished by its annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady,which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, bringinghuge social and economic benefits. Community activism andtireless volunteerism are the corner stone of this vibrantcommunity, manifested in the 'whole of community approach'evident in the running of the annual pilgrimage, which is largelyfunded through the local gift & coffee shop.Community Contact: Ger [email protected]

Lady’s Island Village, Co Wexford50

Would like to send best wishes to the communities of Kiln Lane Residents Association and Rathdowney/Errill

for proudly representing County Laois in the IPB Pride of Place Competition 2017 in association with Co-operation Ireland.

Many congratulations on a job well done. In the eyes of your local community and Laois County Councilyou are all winners.

We hope you enjoy the Gala Awards Ceremony and wish you every success in the competition and a safe journey home.

Le Gach Dea Ghuí,

“Putting the Pride back in our Place”

Set on the banks of the Kings River, Kells village is steeped inhistory. Sites of interest include an 8th Century round tower, CelticCross at Kilree and the extensive 12th Century Augustinian Prioryand indicate a village enormously rich in heritage. Moreimportantly Kells is rich in community and has through KREE(Kells Region Economic Enterprise), Tidy Towns and a variety ofother committees worked to preserve, enhance, celebrate andpromote its built heritage and natural beauty for the benefit ofits inhabitants and the many visitors its amenities attract. KREEwas formed in 1993 when Kells, as a village, was in decline andoffered little. In recent years, through a myriad of fundraisingevents and partnerships Kells has refurbished Mullins Mill, createda loop river walk, built a handball & squash centre, a crèche,created a natural children’s recreation area and walking track, andpromoted a café, craft shop and official guided tours.Community Contact: Vincent [email protected]

Kells Village, Co Kilkenny47

The Kerry Social Farming Project provides people with disabilities(participants) the opportunity to engage with ordinary farmfamilies and the farming community in meeting their personallife choices, thus promoting social inclusion and improved qualityof life. The project operates as a voluntary model, whereby hostfarmers offer their time freely to enable participants engage intheir farming activities and thus the wider rural community.Farmers are the heart and soul of rural Ireland and are very wellplaced to support inclusion of marginalised individuals in therural community. This voluntary model has been highly successfulto date and is crucial for the sustainable development of theproject and important for developing real relationships. All hostfarmers are enthusiastic about and deeply committed to theproject, citing it as a wholly rewarding experience for them, asthey in turn become more engaged in their community.Group Contact: Irene [email protected]

Kerry Social Farming Project48

Iontas is a community and arts centre serving Castleblayney. Itopened in 2005 and houses an impressive array of facilitiesincluding a theatre, library, exhibition space, art room, andrehearsal rooms. This is backed up by meeting rooms, cookerykitchens, childcare facilities and a restaurant. The building isdesigned in such a way to ensure that all users of the building areconstantly exposed to the arts in their daily interactions. Forexample, the art gallery is located in the reception and restaurantspaces. At Iontas, the ethos is that the arts can be used as a toolto build the person, and in so doing an audience for theprofessional product can be nurtured. So, in Iontas, room isprovided for both professional and community-led productions,and professional-quality instruction and opportunity to performat the very highest level is given to those who enter the arts atthe most local level.Group Contact: Darren [email protected]

Iontas Arts & Community Centre,Castleblayney, Co Monaghan 45

Kells Type Trail, now in its eight year, is an annual festivalcelebrating typography and lettering as a modern art form. Eachyear one word is translated into a variety of languages reflectingthe diversity of the Kells community. Through a series ofcollaborations and workshops with, for example, Kells primary &post-primary schools, students from Dundalk Institute ofTechnology, Athlone Institute of Technology, Kells Local Heroes,Meath Mental Health, local artists and poets, the Type Society ofIreland and Meath Arts Office, these words are then interpretedby artist Mark Smith & his creative TypeTrail Team to bring animaginative message to the streets of Kells. This takes the form ofup to 22 indoor and outdoor art installations which form awalking trail around the town. Mostly temporary in nature, eachyear one piece is chosen as a TypeTrail legacy piece with the longterm objective of a permanent TypeTrail presence in the town.Group Contact: Mark [email protected]

Kells Type Trail, Co Meath46

28 29

Let’s Get Galway Growing is a network of community gardens inGalway City that seeks to support the maintenance anddevelopment of seven community gardens as local initiatives thatpromote health and wellbeing. The community garden projectshave been established in geographical disadvantaged areasBallinfoile, Ballybane, Westside, Doughiska, two within targetpopulation groups - Eglinton House (Direct Provision) and BridgeHouse (people who are homeless) and one garden based in theWest side of the city focused on developing an edible forest inthe local community. They have become important communityspaces that enable local people to get involved in gardening,provide training courses in gardening and environmental issues,and also host community events throughout the year.Group Contact: Sabrina [email protected]

Let’s Get Galway Growing, Galway City55

LYFS is a voluntary community managed support service for theyoung people and the families in Letterkenny. LYFS focuses inparticular on individuals and families who do not have accessto services and are at risk or experiencing disadvantage.Necessary support, education and guidance is provided to assistthem to move into a more positive position mentally andphysically for their futures through the medium of learningexperiences, programmes and projects. LYFS ensures thattrained professionals deliver the programmes in key settingsusing a variety of methodology and intervention techniquesincluding one-to-one work, group-work and intensiveintervention. It works in partnership with statutory and non-statutory agencies to provide a multi-disciplinary approach toaddressing the needs of those people. Some of the currentprogrammes include After Schools Service, Bullying Programme,Anger Management Intensive Support, Autism Support, ObesityProgrammes, Families Programme, Unemployed and DisabilityExercise Programmes, Youth and Adult Alcohol and DrugProgrammes.Group Contact: Garry [email protected]

Letterkenny Youth and Family Service,Co Donegal 56

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The Latton Bawn area comprises of many fiercely committedvolunteers. Latton Social Services (LSS) started out over twentyyears ago by training local volunteers to carry out a door to doorneeds survey in the area. This uncovered a range of needs, whichthe group has been slowly working to address ever since. Othernotable firsts were the county's first rural transport scheme, theBALTI Bus, and providing a base for a county-wide network ofcommunity groups, Monaghan Community Network. LSS dealswith all age groups, and traditions and has sourced millions infunding for projects ranging from childcare, transport, even apeace and reconciliation project which covered twelve bordercounties. This very rural corner of Co Monaghan wrote the bookon community development and continues to innovate and leadby example today.Community Contact: Alice [email protected]

Latton and Bawn, Co Monaghan53

A unique way of assisting people in need was devised in theparish of Lecarrow when a small group of community-mindedindividuals came together 16 years ago and conceived theLecarrow Benevolent Fund. The Fund assists individuals andgroups in financial difficulty. To date the fund has raised €179,200,which has been distributed throughout the parish andsurrounding areas. Those who have benefitted include:Alzheimer's Association, Simon Community, St. Vincent de Paul,Roscommon Friendly Call Service, Mayo/Roscommon Hospice,and Pieta House to name but a few. However, many of the Fund'sbeneficiaries will never be named as they are assisted privatelyand discreetly, through the local Parish Priest. Funds raised havealso contributed to the development of Lecarrow itself bysupporting community events, initiatives and groups. Acommittee of fourteen people works tirelessly to make the Fundthe success it is today. Lecarrow Benevolent Fund shows howcommunities can help themselves.Group Contact: Billy [email protected]

Lecarrow Benevolent Fund, Co Roscommon 54

Lagan Valley Regional Park with its Area of Outstanding NaturalBeauty, stretches from Stranmillis Belfast to Union Locks inLisburn and covers an area of 4200 acres of assorted landscapes.These include riverside, woodland, parkland, wetlands, grassland,farmland and the area is rich in biodiversity. The Park has a teamof sixty registered conservation volunteers. The SaturdayConservation Volunteers meet every other Saturday morning tocarry out a wide range of practical conservation tasks throughoutthe Park. Tasks carried out include tree planting, woodlandmanagement, pond clearance, hedge-laying, path maintenanceand invasive species control. Volunteers have a wide range ofages, abilities and motivations and their hard work anddedication ensures the protection of habitats and wildlife withinthe Park for the benefit of the local community and visitors. LaganValley Regional Park holds the Investing in Volunteers award andthe Volunteers received the Queen’s Award for Volunteering in2013.Group Contact: Dr Andy [email protected]

Lagan Valley Regional Park51

Three groups operate this Tullamore housing complex. They are:Tullamore Housing Association Ltd located at Lann Elo it aims toprovide emergency accommodation / transitional housing andsupport services to people who are homeless / ‘out of home’ inTullamore and surrounding areas in County Offaly. These servicesare provided in partnership with the Simon Community who havesix housing units within the complex in Lann Elo. Midlands SimonCommunity operates emergency accomodation services in LannElo, Tullamore and has six emergency beds working inconjunction with the Tullamore Housing Association. Rights forthe Elderly VHA, Tihilly is a dedicated housing organization whichaims to provide quality housing and services to enable olderpeople to create comfortable, secure homes and thrivingcommunities. In 2009 the first scheme of 16 x 2 bedroom houseswas completed at Tihilly, Clontarf Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Theyalso developed Darmagh Centre at this address in partnershipwith Tullamore Housing Association.Community Contact: John [email protected]

Lann Elo & Tihilly Housing Associations,Tullamore, Co Offaly52

30 31

Middletown Parish Hall is a recent addition to the Armagh Borderarea, providing Training, Development and social opportunitiesfor all in Middletown and the surrounding hinterlands, North andSouth of the border. Conceived in 2011 and officially opened in2016, a group of local volunteers identified a need for a neutral,inclusive space. The group sought out support from organisationsborough wide and successfully secured substantial funding tobring this idea to fruition. Since opening the group has organised,sourced and hosted a range of courses and events.Community Contact: Amanda LeyburnPhone: 0775175637

Middletown Parish, Co Armagh 61

Mitchelstown Community Council Ltd acquired Forrest Hall, aderelict town centre premises from Cork County Council in 2015and a complete refurbishment was undertaken. It was officiallyopened by Seamus McGrath, Cork County Lord Mayor on 1stDecember 2016. The building is home to Cloyne Diocesean YouthServices Ltd (CDYS), a voluntary and not-for-profit organisationwhich is providing a vital space for young people in the localityto have a safe place to socialise. CDYS also has a family counsellingservice and a range of therapeutic supports, training andintervention. Cork Education and Training Board includesYouthreach programmes which cater for 15-20 year old earlyschool leavers, with a strong emphasis on achievement and ondeveloping the capacities of the participants and building self-esteem. Musical Theatre, drama, music lessons and art and craftsare taught by various providers. A catholic voluntary youthworker holds a weekly faith based youth event.Group Contact: Sean [email protected]

Mitchelstown Community Council Ltd,Co Cork 62

Louth County Council would like to warmly welcome all the groups whorepresented the county so ably in the IPB Pride of Place Competition in

association with Co-operation Ireland.

Our sincere thanks to:The MarIa GOreTTI CenTre, Lordship, ‘Dee huB’, ardee,

DunLeer CDB & TIDy TOwns anD MOneyMOre esTaTe, DrOGheDa

for your proactive determination, unwavering commitment andinspirational dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all thosewho are fortunate enough to be part of your communities.

Lisnamult is a neighbourhood on the edge of Roscommon Townthat has become a hub of activity for the whole town and beyond.Lisnamult Residents Association Ltd has developed a communitycentre which houses, among other things, Greenfield’s ChildcareCentre, providing childcare for over 120 children withRoscommon County Childcare Committee working closely withthe group. The Association developed two playgrounds and anastro-turf pitch. They liaise with Roscommon Youth Soccer Teamswho use the facilities, including the playing fields and astro-turfpitch. A Brazilian senior soccer team also use the facilities.Gaelscoil de hÍde and Roscommon Community College regularlyuse the sports facilities, and support the Association. The localGAA club, Roscommon Gaels, have developed flood lit pitchesclose by and collaborated with the Residents Association on thedevelopment of the approach road which services bothorganisations. The Association fundraises by holding a monthlydraw, to support activities and general development.Community Contact: Anthony [email protected]

Lisnamult, Roscommon Town57

Since 1972, Lower Oldpark Community Association (LOCA)enabled the community to tackle the many local problems,including dereliction, lack of investment, social unrest, lack ofcommunity spirit and educational underachievement. RecentlyLOCA has driven the physical renewal of the area, including therefurbishment of 26 long term vacant and decaying propertiesand the development of seven new build social homes. Currentprojects include plans for affordable homes, retail facilities andthe upgrading of the local environment. Situated at an interfacelocation, LOCA works substantially on a cross-community basisto reduce conflict and tension with neighbouring communities.LOCA gives residents an opportunity to contribute to a processof positive change in their area. The Association has worked withresidents to provide services in response to these problems,through the provision of a playgroup and an afterschools club,women's group and youth provision. These services enablelifelong learning and contribute to building community spirit.Community Contact: Janice [email protected]

Lower Oldpark, Belfast58

Magheramason Community Development Association reformedin 2010 is a small group with only four active members. TheAssociation has transformed the village by working with the localCouncil and Housing Executive by providing planters and potsaround the village. The volunteers are all in full time employmentand give up their free time to keep the village tidy. Funding hasenabled the purchase of gardening equipment. Grass cutting,general gardening duties, plant watering and litter picking keepthe village looking clean and tidy. Residents have commented onhow well the village is looking and they also say it has not lookedas good in many years. The Association feels proud in what hasbeen achieved in a short period of time. The focus is now on anew play park and kick about area and finally through co-operation with the council planning permission has beenreceived to upgrade an area in the village. Community Contact: Sue [email protected]

Magheramason, Co Tyrone59

The Maria Goretti Foundation is a community driven initiativewhich provides invaluable respite care for children withdisabilities, and life limiting conditions, on the Cooley peninsula.Driven initially by a local businessman who identified the needfor such a facility in the area, this project was finally brought tofruition, after many years of dedication, when it opened its doorsin February 2014. The site was gifted by a local resident, and dueto the sustained efforts of the local community, this state of theart residential facility now provides social, sport and leisureactivities for those who need it most. The Foundation has at itsheart the care and dignity of children and their families. With anover-arching goal to further the cause of children with disabilities,the foundation is also fully committed to responding creativelyto the needs of children with disabilities into the future.Group Contact: Sinead [email protected]

Maria Goretti Foundation, Lordship, Co Louth 60

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New Oak Estate, Carlow Town67

Newpark Close is a County Council urban neighbourhood builton the outer edges of Kilkenny City. When the houses wereoriginally built in the early seventies there were few services orfacilities near the area and the residents began to experience asense of isolation. This sense of isolation and social exclusion ledto a community development movement in Newpark Close thatcontinues to this day. The original founders, with support fromKilkenny Social Services raised the money to build a communitybased Family Support Centre in 1976. Over the years theinvestment in community (voluntary and financial) has led to theaddition of many amenities and services including a FamilyResource Centre, a purpose built childcare buildingaccommodating 165 children daily, a recent regeneration project,a training house and gardens, a community garden, thedevelopment of the Local Fen as a natural amenity, a sports fieldand a three way astro turf court..Community Contact: Sheila [email protected]

Newpark Close, Kilkenny City68

This is a small residential area comprising of thirteen bungalows.Unfortunately, part of the estate has not been completed by thebuilder and a few of the residents have no footpaths etc. However,this does not stop the residents taking pride in the entrance tothe estate, the communal green area and each household doestheir bit towards keeping the estate clean and free from rubbish.It would be hard to find litter on the estate and the owners ofdogs generally ensure the estate is clean from dog fouling. Thesupport of small funding grants to purchase plants for hangingbaskets and boxes would be very welcome indeed.Community Contact: Sharon [email protected]

Newry Rainbow Community was founded in 2004 at a meetingin the Canal Court Hotel. It is a social, befriending andinformational organisation that exists to offer support to theLesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans-gender population in Newry Cityand the surrounding counties. Rainbow House is located onMonaghan Street, a central location in Newry and a short distancefrom the main bus depot. Accessibility is vital to service users. Thisdedicated centre will now allow the organisation tocomprehensively address the needs of the LGB&T communitythrough focused services that will support and developindividuals and the LGB&T community. The NRC maximises theopportunities that a dedicated Centre now affords, and ensuresa permanent sustainable resource for LGB&T people, their familiesand friends. The services and support of a dedicated centre willbe of enormous benefit to LGB&T people in terms of promotingequal opportunities and will also produce positive outcomes forthe local community.Group Contact: Damian [email protected]

Newry Rainbow Community69

Located beside Thomond Park, Northside Youth Space, which isbased in Ballynanty, is facilitated by Limerick Youth Service. Openone year, the Northside Youth Space (NYS) has already establisheditself as a favourite with young people and the wider community.NYS developed from a desire to bring community based projectsto one centralised, accessible and youth friendly space. Thepurpose built NYS delivers youth work that enhances the civic,personal and social development of young people. NYS is hometo many services including: Youth & Family Support, Garda YouthDiversion, Community Mapping & Youth Mental Health Projects,Youth Café and volunteer led Youth Clubs. NYS also works withthe local community offering a space for a range of activitiesincluding drama, dance, photography and sports. The location ofthe NYS is fitting as the late Sr. Joan Bowles, founder of LYS, wasa teacher in Ballynanty in her formative years. Group Contact: Damian [email protected]

Northside Youth Space – Ballynanty,Limerick City 70

Moneymore is a large former RAPID estate on the north side ofDrogheda. The estate was built in the early 1980s and comprisesof 246 houses. The estate management is overseen by theMoneymore Estate Management Committee which is overseenby residents, including founding members Marie Russell and TinaKearney. The Connect Family Resource Centre provides services,support and training to a diverse group of people including loneparents, early school leavers, Travellers and non-Irish nationals.They provide courses which range from pottery, crochet, nutritionto parenting programmes. They also initiated the “Food Cloud”scheme in association with the local Tesco and Aldi stores andoperate food banks bi-weekly. The Cable Youth Project is part ofa Garda diversion scheme aimed at keeping youths out of thecourts system. Recreation facilities include a number of greenareas, community garden, football pitches, including a MUGAfacility, and Drogheda Boxing Club.Community Contact: Marie [email protected]

Moneymore Estate, Drogheda, Co Louth63

The Mucky Paws Project is designed to introduce school childrenfrom the local area to creating and developing their ownallotment in the newly re-developed Brooke Park. Ideally therewill be six allotments developed with schools in the local areataking an allotment each. The school will then take responsibilityfor the development and up-keep of their own allotment. Toolsand other materials needed to maintain and develop theallotments will be provided by the project. The Mucky PawsProject hopes to give the children a sense of ownership and pridefor their local park and give them a role in the up-keep whileteaching them important skills around gardening and theirenvironment.Group Contact: Wendy [email protected]

Mucky Paws Project, Derry City 64

Mud Island is an area in Dublin’s north inner city. Formerly“inhabited by a gang of smugglers, highwaymen, anddesperadoes of every description” today it’s the site of Mud IslandCommunity Garden, which has been developed on a derelict site.The garden is farmed collectively and the produce shared.Membership is open to anyone. The garden has close links withthe local community, local schools and business. Mud Island haswon several prizes. There are regular functions in the gardenthroughout the year including an annual Open Day in June, anda fantastic Halloween party; the garden also hosts an active artscollective. They have extended their reach more into thecommunity placing planters filled with flowers in litter black spotsand generally engage in pride promoting activities. Thiscompletely volunteer led group is proud of their success inimproving their neighbourhood and at the same time producingfood that everyone can share and enjoy.Group Contact: Bernie [email protected]

Mud Island Community Garden,Dublin City65

Mullaghmatt/Cortolvin is the largest Local Authority housingestate in Co Monaghan with about 300 houses catering for over1,200 people. Built in the 1970s, about one third of the originalresidents were displaced from Northern Ireland. The estate is alsohome to a community of settled Travellers, and to an increasingnumber of non-Irish nationals. The community works closely withagencies to source facilities, services and opportunities. Notablecounty firsts include: Family Resource Centre in 2005, and a skatepark in 2008. Collaborations with Council include an innovativeWorks Improvement Scheme on Council houses and a CCTVscheme. When the only shop closed down, the communitybought it, and now operates a community supermarket, offeringa full range of hot and cold dinners, and providing employmentpathways for residents. The community’s practical approach canbe seen in their latest initiative, the ‘Community Hearts’ project,which encourages people to adopt a more active lifestyle. Community Contact: Packie [email protected]

Mullaghmatt Cortolvin Estate, Monaghan Town 66

34 35

Portlaw, Co Waterford75 76Portlaw, a quiet peaceful village approximately 19km from thecity of Waterford, lies on the river Clodagh - a small tributary ofthe river Suir. It holds a wealth of history and beauty, from itsplanned model industrial village layout to its rolling hills andforests. The Portlaw Task Force (PTF) was set up in 2014 with a coreidea to benefit the community socially and environmentally andto put “unity back into community”. The core value of the PTF issimplicity and transparency, and with its small committee picksprojects to enhance visually and socially. Aside from a corecommittee the PTF has a wider network of volunteers called uponwhen working on tasks - from street railing painting, a decorativecommemorative seat to Mental Health and Awareness toHalloween and Christmas Festivals. The sense of community pridethat exists today in Portlaw is been awakened, enhanced andcultivated by the PTF.Community Contact: Freddy [email protected]

77

Rathdowney and Errill are linked in many ways with both localitiesboasting a Vision Group which strives to keep developing theirlocal area, while cooperating in a number of areas. Ostensibly aquiet location behind the scenes there is activity on all fronts. Oneof the few towns in Laois to boast a secondary school, youngpeople in the area are well catered for with a variety of amenities.Older and isolated people enjoy a vibrant meals-on-wheels socialservice. Local activities in between include a Men’s Shed, anglingand game conservation, arts and culture groups and severalcommemorative and history projects. The ‘Inspire Rathdowney’project engaged local entrepreneurs and helped them start theirown businesses. Fundraising in this community is wellestablished, with supports given by local business and the localchurch parishes, ranging from sponsorship to involvement inlocal events. The people of Rathdowney-Errill are very proud oftheir history and take pride in their ongoing and progressivedevelopment. Community Contact: John [email protected]

Rathdowney-Errill, Co Laois

78Ongar, on the western edge of Dublin 15 in the Fingaladministrative area, is best described as an urban village. Thevillage itself was built on the site of Ongar stud between 2002 and2005. Soon afterwards the community centre and schoolsopened. The community is young and diverse and takes in thePhibblestown and Latchford estates. Ongar has a thriving tidytowns group, many sports & cultural groups and excellent sportfacilities. Recently most development has centred on theBarnwell- Hansfield area to the south, with its own railway stationon the Dunboyne line. Ongar has a strong development groupwhich acts as a network for local agencies such as Fingal CountyCouncil, Foroige and most local community interests. The TidyTowns group has recently developed a vibrant poly-tunnelproject with support from the Council and the local Agenda 21scheme. Today Ongar has six schools, a busy commercial centreand is home to 4000 people.Community Contact: Una [email protected]

Ongar, Dublin 15, Fingal Council Area 73

'The Gateway to Connemara' is a vibrant picturesque village onthe shores of Lough Corrib, Co. Galway. There is a wealth of naturalattractions for the discerning visitor, including: Golf, Angling,Walking & Hiking, Biking, Horse-riding, Lake Cruises, Festivals &Events, Heritage & History, Traditional Music, Parks andPlaygrounds as well as Fantastic Food in our many award winningrestaurants and lots more! Oughterard has it all, go and see foryourselves all that is special about the village. And there is somuch to discover in the “Wild Trout Capital of Europe”. Oughterardis the perfect place to escape the frantic pace of everyday life,whatever time of year it is fast becoming the Food Capital ofConnemara. It’s a place with a vibrant community spirit, richheritage and generous hospitality, set at the gateway to thestunning landscape of Connemara!Community Contact: Thomas [email protected]

Oughterard, Co Galway74

Formed in 2010 Oasis Youth Club delivers an Intercultural Youthprovision consisting of 575 members. Oasis delivers cross culturalactivities for young people from the PUL, CRN and BMEcommunities mostly from along the interfaces. Oasis supportsyoung people in developing life skills via volunteering andtraining while working in partnership with the statutory andvoluntary sector to help improve the lives of the young peopleinvolved. Oasis provides a wide range of services for children andyoung people channelling them through personal development,health and well-being all based on integration.Group Contact: Stephen SmithPhone: 028 38393372

Oasis Youth Club, Portadown, Co Armagh 71

Bunaíodh Comharchumann Oileán Thoraigh i 1972 chun tabhairtfaoi forbairt eacnamaíochta, soisialta agus cultúrtha ar oileánThoraigh. Located off the coast of Co Donegal on the most northwesterly part of the Wild Atlantic Way, picturesque Tory Island issteeped in history, mythology and folklore, and today is home toa community of primitive artists. What’s more, in a nod back toancient times, this Irish speaking community of just over 140people is led by a King, a fellow islander elected by the people.Comharchumann Oileán Thoraigh is responsible for theeconomic, social and cultural development of Tory Island. Thereis an increasing young population on the island and theComharchumann has been central to a range initiatives,including, the provision of a new helipad facility resulting in anincreased air passenger service, the recent opening of a crèche,setting up the islands first ever youth club and a range of socialparticipation projects.Community Contact: Marjorie Uí [email protected]

Oileán Thoraí (Tory Island), Co Donegal 72

The small townland of Ray is situated between the market townof Ramelton and the seaside village of Rathmullan in Donegal.The Ray Community Group (formerly Ray Youth Athletic Club) wasformed in 1986 by members of the community of Ray andGlenalla in response to a lack of recreational and sportingopportunities for young people. The Ray Community Groupcompleted the building of Ray Community Centre in 2012 andhas since gone from strength to strength. This community hub isrun completely by volunteers and their fundraising ensures thatthe Centre is self-financing and the community effort ensures thata wide range of activities are provided including an outdoor pre-school, activities for children (including Irish dancing, basketball,drama, arts and crafts, badminton, table tennis and pool) andactivities for adults (including circuit training, toning, jivingclasses and social dancing, family activities including Halloweenand Christmas parties, camping nights, Christmas concerts, familywalks and Summer family outings).Community Contact: Fiona [email protected]

Ray, Co Donegal

Since its first meeting in June 2005, Rusheeny Village ResidentsAssociation has worked tirelessly to inspire pride in the estate.Rusheeny Village is a large, diverse estate in Blanchardstown,Dublin 15 with 247 houses. Residents rely strongly on thegoodwill of neighbours who volunteer to help maintain theestate and provide support for each other. The Association hasclose links with Fingal County Council whose Community Officesupports the residents’ Hello Neighbour Project to help newresidents integrate. The residents work with local communityGardai to provide support for families feeling unsettled orvulnerable and connect with local elected representatives andother agencies in tackling anti-social behaviour when it occurs.The estate has previously won awards at the FCC CleanerCommunities Competition and has entered the national TidyTowns competition. This year Rusheeny will get involved with“Street Feast” to emphasise the importance of neighbours in astrong, vibrant housing estate community.Community Contact: Karen [email protected]

Rusheeny Estate, Blanchardstown,Dublin 15, Fingal Council Area

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Signal Arts Centre, Bray, Co Wicklow 83 84Signal Arts Centre was set up in 1990 to address the lack of a focalpoint for the visual arts in Bray and North Wicklow and create apractical facility where artists could both develop their own work& make the arts readily accessible to the local community. Thecentre has made a significant impact in Bray in the arts andeducational fields and to the town’s tourism infrastructure.Among the core objectives of the Signal Arts Centre are todevelop as a centre of excellence for the visual arts which can actas a resource for artists and the general community, to raise theprofile of artists and the arts generally, to provide a range ofservices facilities training and education for arts practitioners, toassist them in the development of their careers, to provide artistswith the opportunity to exhibit and to operate the outreachprogramme of community art projects.Group Contact: Claire [email protected]

85 86

Shine a Light was established in 2009, following concerns inrelation to suicide around Cork City and in particular thenorthside. The group is made up of motivated local peoplesupported by statutory and voluntary services. It is the core beliefof Shine a Light that community groups have a vital role to playin suicide prevention work. Since its establishment, Shine a Lighthas been continually growing, looking at ways of buildingsupports which are easy to access and affordable. Shine a Lightprovides counselling at a low cost, SafeTALK and ASIST SuicideAwareness Training programmes, bereavement support groupsin communities, sign posting to supports offered by otherorganisations, screening of the suicide awareness play “Bring MeBack Alive”, awareness raising at Shine A Light fund raisers, Health& Wellbeing courses in the community and ongoing promotionof positive mental through poster campaigns and informationwallet cards.Group Contact: Amy [email protected]

Shine Alight Suicide and Mental Awareness, Cork City

Shawbrook is a haven for dance set on a traditional 18th centuryfarm in a forest of oak, ash and beech trees in Co Longford,Ireland. Recognised internationally as a centre of excellence fordance and performance, Shawbrook has fostered a nurturingenvironment of dance creativity for over 30 years. From humblebeginnings, Shawbrook Dance is now home to dance studios, atheatre, an outdoor studio, forest walks and a range of on-siteaccommodation, including Forest Cabins in the woods.Shawbrook Dance is open to professional companies alongsidevocational students and Youth Dance Company. The annualprogramme includes the Shawbrook Residential Summer Schoolrunning since 1984, year round Artists-in-residence programmes,workshops, performances and seasonal festivals.Contact: Anica [email protected]

Shawbrook Dance Centre, Legan, Co Longford 81 82

79 80Sallynoggin is a large urban area covering three townlands. Thearea consists mainly of former and current local authority housingbuilt around the 1950s with some older houses dating back to1904. Today the area consists of over 1,100 local authority builthomes with a diverse population in relation to age range andethnic background. Sallynoggin has a large Primary andSecondary school as well as a College of Further Education. Thereare both large and small retail units in the area. Sallynoggin Youthand Community Facility opened in October 2008 and offers arange of activities to young people as well as dedicated activitiesfor the older population. The Sallynoggin Estate ManagementForum was set up in 2007 and success to date can be accreditedto the community involvement and the partnership working withthe County Council. Annual service plans are developed andspecific projects undertaken in conjunction with local residentsand businesses. Community Contact: Diane [email protected]

Sallynoggin, Co Dublin, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council Area

Slane Tidy Towns Committee has 16 members and a growingnumber of volunteers outside of the formal committee. Thecommittee meets 12 times a year on the first Tuesday of eachmonth, Monday evenings & Saturday mornings to carry outmaintenance and project work in the village. The aim is to alwayslook to promote and encourage opportunities for communityinvolvement - all activities are promoted through facebook andlocal media. In 2014, Slane Tidy Towns commenced work on acommunity garden in the centre of the village, this project hasreceived support from the Council and local businesses. Thegarden was opened in 2016 and has been very much enjoyed bythe village since. Achievements include: Tree Planting, MainStreet; John Clarke Park; Navan Road Shrub-bed; and workingwith Slane Forum in the redevelopment of a section of the BoyneCanal.Community Contact: Dermot [email protected]

Slane, Co Meath

Seymour Hill & Conway Residents Association was formed in 2002to address a number of local issues and develop the community.There are around 5000 residents and over the last two years theyhave gone from strength to strength building up the community.Services provided range from education, training and awarenessto cultural / diversity / good relations. They work on a crosscommunity basis and recently took over youth provision from theeducation board offering a range of activities and courses to localyouth. A new men's shed and MUGA pitch are in the pipeline.Volunteers work at least 60 hours weekly including office dutiesand group participation. They hold cultural events, senior citizensChristmas functions and fun days and are always trying todevelop and educate local people and recently sent fourcommittee members to the Somme as part of the Council's GoodRelations Programme.Community Contact: William [email protected]

Seymour Hill & Conway, Lisburn, Co Antrim

The Seamus Ennis Art Centre in the Naul, Co Dublin is the centreof a thriving community in a very creative place. It opened in 1992in memory of master Uileann piper, folklore archivist andstoryteller Seamus Ennis, who resided in the area until his deathin 1982. Following refurbishment the Centre expanded as a musicschool and location for Irish traditional music sessions. The remitof the centre now provides for a multi- disciplinary arts centrefocusing on developing and maintaining cultural activities forrural Fingal. Traditional elements are complimented by activitiesaimed at the local community including music lessons, dance andinstrument tuition workshops for children. The centre also runsmonthly cinema screenings. Further additions include the EasterSnow Gallery and a new outdoor facility, ‘The Pipers Garden’ forquality outdoor events. The Centre remains unique in its role asa beacon of cultural excellence in this isolated rural location.Group Contact: Sean Paul O’[email protected]

Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, the Naul, Co Dublin, Fingal Council Area

St. Patrick’s Villas is in the townland of Stradbally North, near thescenic village of Castleconnell. This estate contains 46 houses,with a mix of privately owned and local authority properties. St.Patrick’s Villas Residents Association (5 years in existence) hascreated many strong links with the Local Authority andorganisations in the town. Members of the Association attend theEstate Residents Representative Forum.In its relatively short time in existence, the Association has madetremendous strides in improving the physical appearance of theestate and generating positive community spirit. For instance,with the assistance of local businesses and residents theypurchased their own ride-on mower, hand-mower and leafblower to assist in the maintenance of the estate. The estatereceived a number of awards in Best Kept Estate and Best FloralDisplay in the Castleconnell Tidy Towns Competition from 2012to 2016. All residents are very proud to be living in their estate.Community Contact: Mary O’[email protected]

St Patrick’s Villas, Castleconnell, Co Limerick

38 39

The Acre Project, Celbridge, Co Kildare 91 92The Acre Project was established to provide a community spacewhere all members of the community could engage with natureand their environment through ecological /developmental andcreative activities. The project reclaimed an unused plot of landwhich is now available to the local community and its youngpeople. The Acre allows the community to work with nature, relax,explore and express their creativity and use the space to networkand cross generational boundaries. This project strives toencourage a well-functioning community through its welcoming,friendly and flexible approach with a focus on living in harmonywith the environment at its core. It provides opportunities forfurther education, sheltered work experience and developingindependent living skills. The collaboration at the Acre betweenvarious education providers, youth services, HSE, TY Students, St.Raphael's Special School, and the wider community is helpingyoung people reach their potential in a healthy creative andinclusive environment. Group Contact: Joanne [email protected]

The Acorn Project in Edenderry, Offaly is a justice diversion projectthat was established in 1999 in order to provide programmes for“at risk” young people. The Acorn Project is affiliated to YouthWork Ireland Midlands and works directly with targeted groupsand individuals in the community of Edenderry and surroundingareas. Throughout the years the project has been dedicated toproviding a quality service and in making sure that thecommunity of Edenderry has access to a range of services. Withthis aim in mind the provision of an Astro Turf facility in 2009 andEdenderry Youth Café in 2012 was made a reality. The project aimsto respond to the needs of the community in terms of servicesrequired, training and education, and youth programmes. TheAcorn and the Youth Café have a range of volunteer support fromthe town and surrounding area and work closely with all relevantagencies.Group Contact: Kevin [email protected]

The Acorn Project, Edenderry, Co Offaly

One of the greatest concerns in Terenure back in 2010 was tryingto renew and refresh the community, as they had experienced avery unwelcome downturn in trade within the village andbusiness resulting in huge suffering in the community. A smallgroup of traders got together and formed ILT2030 to motivatebusiness and sell themselves as a community based retailexperience. With the involvement of and consultation with theresidents of Terenure twelve projects were born. One of these wasthe Better Energy Community Project. Aware that Ireland wouldbe under pressure in 2020 as regards EU targets for electricitygeneration from renewable sources the Terenure communityconceived this project involving retrofitting initiatives in anumber of businesses and twenty privately owned houses inTerenure. The project was grant aided by the Sustainable EnergyAuthority. Further funding has ensured the continuation of theproject in 2017. Community Contact: Bernie [email protected]

Terenure, Dublin City89 90

The Tacu Youth Centre in Ballinrobe was established in 2012. Thenon-profit centre provides drop-in services for 13-18 year oldsduring the school year and throughout the summer. The centrehas numerous volunteers and provides a much needed youthfacility for the area. The centre has many facilities including twokitchens, IT facilities and a pool table. Much local fundraising takesplace to ensure the centre stays open and viable. In county mayoit is one of the leading youth centres available for young people.Group Contact Grace McGee, Mob: 087 6701163

TACU Maple Youth Centre, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo87 88

Street Feast is a national day of street parties celebratingcommunity through the simple act of sharing a meal withneighbours. It is an Irish initiative to bring back life onto ourstreets, the idea is a simple one to get as many people as possibleacross Ireland to sit down to a lunch with their neighbours in theirlocal communities. It’s a not for profit, all for fun, do it yourselfcelebration. A street feast can be anything from a few neighboursgetting together in a front garden to a full blown communitystreet party. It can be held anywhere, on the pavement, in a laneway or a local park. Everyone is invited to bring something tocontribute be it food, chairs or a musical instrument. Street Feastinvolves all people from all walks of life of all ages, abilities, beliefsand culture sitting down to a meal together.Group Contact: Sam [email protected]

Street Feast, Co Wicklow

Established in 1996 Tallaght Community Arts is a participatoryarts organisation creating opportunities for artists and the peopleof South Dublin County to explore together the transformativeand celebratory power of the arts for the wellbeing of all. As arecognised leader in participatory arts the organisation workswith professional artists to create innovatory arts projects locally,nationally and internationally. Three core programme strands aresupported annually:1) Double TAKE Supported Artists Studio is a professional studiofor the artistic development of 70 artists with disabilities.Operating 45 weeks of the year the studio is an invaluableresource for individual disabled artists from across South Dublinand beyond. 2) Street Arts Academy is ground breakingprogramme for culturally diverse young people and 3) The Doorsto Elsewhere Drama Group comprises adults with intellectualdisabilities challenging assumptions of being ‘other’ in the contextof disability.Group Contact: Tony [email protected]

Tallaght Community Arts, South Dublin County Council Area

40 41

Tubbercurry is a vibrant market town with an enviable landscapesetting, nestled beneath the Ox Mountains in County Sligo.Tubbercurry was once home to the largest fair day in Sligo, a factthat is celebrated by the annual Old Fair Festival, it is also a beaconfor traditional music and drama. Tubbercurry DevelopmentCompany was set up in 2015 by the Tubbercurry Chamber ofCommerce and Sligo County Council. The group is entirelyvoluntary and has proceeded to develop and operate the highlysuccessful An Chroí - South Sligo Enterprise Centre. This viableand sustainable social enterprise has become home to a range ofcommunity initiatives including the Western Drama Festival,Tubbercurry Old Fair Day, Tubbercurry Tidy Towns, South SligoTourism & South Sligo Summer School along with a range of othergroups, all of which are focused on developing and promotingthe lifeblood of creativity in South Sligo.Group Contact: Louise [email protected]

Tubbercurry Development Company –An Chroí, Co Sligo 97 98

Trim is a tidy town due to the hard work and vigilance ofvolunteers and council staff. Schools, residents and voluntarygroups assist with daily litter patrols. Some of the Group’sactivities include edging kerbs of overgrown grass, removal ofillegal signage, cleaning signage, painting of street furniture,dealing with unsightly sites, working with green schools. Trimhighlights its rich heritage through its living history group &working with the Blackfriary Community Project and the OPW’sFriends of Irish Heritage Initiative, enhancing & maintaininglandscaped areas & hedgerows, enhancing biodiversity & wildlifehabitat, promoting its river for sustainable leisure purposes andprovision & watering of hanging baskets. Trim has won thefollowing awards over the years including: the overall Tidy TownsCompetition; the Gold Medal in the National Tidy TownsCompetition; the Gold Medal in the Entente Florale EuropeCompetition; the IBAL’s Cleanest Town in Ireland Award; andnumerous County Pride of Place Awards of the years.Community Contact: Brian [email protected]

Trim, Co Meath

The Village Salthill is a voluntary association made up of overseventy members from the local business community with theholistic intention of making Salthill the best that it can be forlocals, and visitors alike. Working in conjunction with allassociations and public bodies collectively on an ongoing basisto deliver its ambitious vision for the future which is to be the topcoastal destination of the Wild Atlantic Way.Community Contact: Roger O’Sullivan [email protected]

The Village Salthill, Galway City95 96

With increasing demands for provisions for an ever growingpopulation of young people the Attic House Teen Project wasestablished in 2015 in Longford Town, a redevelopment of theoriginal Attic Youth Café established in 2006 in the TemperanceHall. This purpose built youth centre encapsulates the needs ofall young people (aged 10 – 18) through its various youth clubs,programmes, activities and events that are organised bydedicated, trained and committed volunteers six days a week. TheAttic House has a computer suite, meeting rooms, a Youth Café,kitchen, offices, reception area and an outdoor sports amenityParkour Park (the first of its kind in Ireland). Over 2,500 youngpeople engage with the project annually. The Attic House in thecentre of Longford town is truly at the heart of youth andcommunity development, making it a fundamental steppingstone for all young people in County Longford.Group Contact: Ruth McGarry [email protected]

The Attic Youth Cafe Ltd, Longford Town

Former residents of the renowned Ballymun Flats, the dwellers ofthe Courts in Poppintree and surrounding areas were faced withbuilding a community from the ground up when they first movedinto their dwellings in the 1970’s and found themselves in a townwithout any major facilities. Reliance on ‘each other’ has alwaysformed a major part of their make up. This community ofresidents in Poppintree, Dublin 11 are changing their local areain very real terms and have been working tirelessly to give theirphysical surroundings a veritable facelift. Numerousenvironmental groups have been set up maintaining, plantingand cleaning the areas outside their houses that once were hometo much anti social behaviour and dumping. Community spirithas overcome much diversity. With ever growing links withsurrounding community gardens, youth projects, newcommunities, community organisations and statutory agencies,the D11 Transformers as they are known are guiding the wayforward for groups all over the North City. Community Contact: Bernie [email protected]

The Courts, Ballymun, Dublin City 93

The Dee Hub is a not-for-profit organisation set up to establish aYouth and Community Resource Hub in Ardee. Its overarchingvision is that young people, their guardians and families, haveaccess to a safe, creative and dynamic Community Resource Hubthat is a source of empowerment in their lives. It was set up in2014, when a group of committed local people came together torespond to the need for a community resource hub in Ardee, withparticular emphasis on services for young people at risk. Itsprimary focus is to provide a locally sourced resource for youngpeople at risk of disadvantage and marginalisation. With the goalsof preventing drug and alcohol abuse, assisting young people inneed of study skills and reducing the incidence of early schoolleavers, The Dee Hub is a supportive, social and educationalenvironment, which provides a valuable resource to Ardee andsurrounding areas.Group Contact: Michael [email protected]

The Dee Hub, Ardee, Co Louth

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Hanwood is a social enterprise and community developmentproject based in Tullycarnet, East Belfast. The project's vision wasthat Tullycarnet would become a centre of development foreducation, training, business, health, retail and recreation - thatvision has now become a reality. Facilities have been built toprovide services to the whole community and the completedproject has now become a hub of activity and a model for bestpractice in this region of Northern Ireland. The Hanwood Centreconsists of four phases of development which cover health andfitness, education and training, job creation and economicdevelopment. Facilities available to the community include 25business units, meeting rooms, 3G sports pitch, changing facilitiesand a fitness suite with over 4,000 participants per monthengaging in fitness activities, sports programmes and communityled cross community projects. On what was a former derelictdumping ground, The Hanwood Project and its tenants currentlyemploy over 160 people, mostly local. Community Contact: Paul [email protected]

Tullycarnet, East Belfast 99 100

The Tullahought Community Development Group was formedinitially in 1991 to enter the National Tidy Towns competition.Since then, as a village, Tullahought has progressed from lastplace in the County to current status of third, having received acommended award and Silver Medal in 2016. The journeythrough the years in the village has involved working with thenatural amenities in the immediate area as well as reviving,promoting and enhancing their importance for the community’senjoyment. One such project included creating a wildlife lake, thisamenity is a now a popular nature learning area for young people.The Kilmacoliver Loop Walk has also been developed, whichprovides leisure pursuits and the pleasure of viewing thepanoramic views into three surrounding counties. Over the yearspromoting local heritage during the annual heritage week hasbecome ‘a gathering’ in the village every summer with variouscommunity activities taking place.Community Contact: Mary [email protected]

Tullahought, Co Kilkenny

42 43

College Park Avenue Residents' Association is a communityregeneration group based in South Belfast Holyland, an area ofhigh architectural and historical importance that has beennegatively impacted by the overdevelopment of Houses ofMultiple Occupancy. This has engendered problems of anti-socialbehaviour, noise and rubbish pollution. Statutory interventionsto redress the problems have been unsuccessful. In 2015 localresidents from College Park Avenue, University Avenue andRugby Road launched 'Wildflower Alley', a beautiful awardwinning garden developed through neighbours' voluntarylabour, recycling and donations. In 2016 Department forInfrastructure piloted a sustainable drainage scheme thatseparated storm water runoff from the existing combined sewer.This enabled the development of an attractive new rainpermeable surface in the alley. In 2017 the scheme will extend toCollege Park Avenue itself, enhancing the streetscape andcontributing to future flood risk management. This is the first suchcommunity led pilot in Ireland.Group Contact: Brid [email protected]

Wildflower Alley, College Park Avenue, Belfast103 104

Westside Youth Project provides a youth service to young peopleaged 10-21 years in the Westside area of Galway city andsurrounding areas. It is community based in the Corrach Buihousing estate. Young people get involved on a voluntary basisand through referrals by parents, schools and other agencieslocally. The main aims of the project are to support young peoplein a safe, positive and supervised environment, to promote theeducational, personal and social development of young peopleliving in the Westside area and to work in partnership withcommunity groups, statutory bodies and social partners in theprevention of early school leaving, whilst providing an enjoyablerange of activities and programmes for and with young people.Activities are based very much on the needs and expressedinterests of young people in the area, the project and use non-formal learning.Group Contact: Isabel [email protected]

Westside Youth Project, Galway City

Upper Springfield Youth Team works with young people aged 11to 25 from the Upper Springfield and Whiterock areas. The projectenhances social inclusion, participation, educational attainmentand the health and wellbeing of marginalised young people. Ituses a needs-led and outcome driven approach which affirms thevoluntary and democratic nature of the relationships betweenyouth workers and young people. Effective work with childrenand young people is underpinned by respect for their rights andactive participation. The project provides a clear pathway for themost excluded young people to become active citizens andcommunity leaders in their own right. The team engages youngpeople 'where they are at'. This includes drop-in facilities,homework clubs, personal and social development, sport andrecreation, health and wellbeing, Irish medium youth work,experiential learning, cookery programmes, community festivals,support for community and sports groups, school transitionprogrammes, youth diversionary programmes, cross communityprojects, youth assemblies and campaigns.Group Contact: Niall [email protected]

Upper Springfield Youth Team, Belfast

Victoria Bridge Cross Community Forum is a small, youngcommunity group established in 2013 to bring services andfacilities to Victoria Bridge. A 'Village Plan' was devised withresidents to outline what THEY wanted to see in their village. TheGroup is extremely active in the community and has beenresponsible for getting a children's play area as well as a newpremises this coming Spring! There are lots of seasonal events forboth children and the seniors in the area, and improvements ofunsightly areas with beautiful floral displays. A great sense of civicpride in the village has been engendered which is evident atevery event. The Group has even been featured in TV showsshowcasing achievements and there are great plans for the future,especially for a first ever premises in the village! The sky's the limitand Victoria Bridge Cross Community Forum is just gettingstarted!Community Contact: Pamela [email protected]

Victoria Bridge Village, Co Tyrone101 102

44

At the beginning of work celebrating literature and the arts,Windows Publications founders Heather Brett and Noel Manahanspoke of the importance of creativity. Through the Authors andArtists Series, publishing emerging writers and visual artists, theWindows Student Poetry Competition and their master-class andreadings series over 25 years they have shaped the careers ofmany young Irish writers. Celebrating their 20th year, they wereacknowledged by many leading Irish poets who contributed workfor the anthology: Leland Bardwell, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin andMichael D Higgins, President of Ireland. This motivation to bringnew voices to the literary landscape and introduce emergingartists to a wider audience was, and remains, the motivation forthe publishers. Their work for Windows Publications has beendriven by their voluntary work promoting creative writing withand for children and helping emerging voices. They haveprovided readings and opportunities for children and artists toflourish artistically for 25 years.Group Contact: Heather Brett [email protected]

WP Poetry, Co Cavan 105 106

Whiddy island is located in Bantry Bay and has a population oftwenty full time residents. Whiddy is rich is military historybecause of its strategic location on the Wild Atlantic Way close tothe town of Bantry. The local residents work with the IslandsCommunity Council and the Cork County Islands InteragencyGroup to develop the attractions on the Island for domestic andforeign visitors. The Island has reached into the town in recentyears with improved ferry service and linking in with local festivalsin the town. This is a new departure for the Island and whilemaintaining its unique island culture and feeling, the Island isbeing developed as an attraction in its own right and as anaddition to the attractions of the town of Bantry.Community Contact: Tim O’[email protected]

Whiddy Island, Co Cork

Notes

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2016 Winners

Population 0 - 300 Broadford, Co Limerick

Population 300 – 1,000 Clonbur, Co Galway

Population 1,000 – 2,000 Borris, Co Carlow

Population 2,000 – 5,000 Moate, Co Westmeath

Population over 5,000 Douglas, Co Cork

Age Friendly Initiative McAuley Place, Naas, Co Kildare

Community Enterprise Social Meath River Rescue

Community Enterprise Business Ferbane Food Campus, Co Offaly

Community Reaching Out Integration & Support Unit, Co Waterford

Housing Estates The Three Drives Estate, Tipperary Town

Islands & Coastal Communities Clogherhead, Co Louth

Urban Neighbourhoods Tallaght (Dominic’s Community Centre),

South Dublin Council Area

Special Awards (4) - Liskennet Farm, St Joseph’s Foundation, Co Limerick

- Mulhuddart Motorcross Project,

Fingal Council Area, North Dublin

- Trinity Arts Project, Co Roscommon

- Wexford MarineWatch

Cities Competition

Population under 1.000 Upper Springfield, West Belfast

Population 1,000 – 2,000 Stoneybatter, Dublin City

Population over 2,000 East Belfast

Age Friendly Initiative Mahon CDP Agelink, Cork City

Enterprise Initiative Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, Derry City

Arts Initiative Blue Teapot Theatre Company, Galway City

Special Awards (2) - Play Resource Warehouse, Belfast City

- Saol Café, Galway City

Council Community Engagement Award Dublin City Council

IPB Pride of Place wishes to placeon record its appreciation of thework done by the management andstaff of Donegal County Council inpartnering and organising this GalaAwards Evening.

pride of place

Comhairle ContaeDhun na nGallDonegal County Councilipb And the Local Authorities in

Ireland North and South

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