Date: 28 Aug 2024
Local Communities showcase unwavering community spirit in prestigious Pride of Place competition
Donegal County Council recently welcomed the judging panel of the renowned Pride of Place competition, showcasing the remarkable achievements of local community groups.
The Pride of Place Competition is a prestigious competition in which local authorities from across the island of Ireland nominate groups that have made a significant impact in enhancing their communities through collective effort.
This year three community groups are representing the County. Cairde le Cheile in Letterkenny has been entered into the Inclusive Community Category, Awake Tourism in Ardara is in the Population 300-1000 Category, while Coiste Forbartha na Carraige / Carrick Development Group is competing in the Community Tourism Initiative category.
The judges’ visits provided an invaluable opportunity to showcase their projects and share their vision for the future. Through insightful presentations and interactions, the groups demonstrated the profound impact their initiatives have on their local community, their unwavering commitment to their localities and productive collaborations with Donegal County Council.
Founded in 2003 from the Special Olympics, Cairde Le Chéile has spent over 20 years dedicated to promoting inclusivity, diversity and community support for people with disabilities in County Donegal. Their leadership provides essential sporting, social and employment opportunities for children, vulnerable young adults, older people, people with disabilities and the broader community.
The sustainable development and regeneration of Ardara is community driven, led by AWAKE Tourism. Established in 1991 Awake Tourism offers a diverse and experienced range of skills that improve and further enhance Ardara as a place to live, work and visit for residents, businesses and visitors. They have improved public realm spaces and places supported by a range of funding programmes.
Coiste Forbartha na Carraige has made significant strides in revitalising the local economy through many community led projects. Since its inception in the 1950s, their commitment to creating a vibrant community is evident through many initiatives designed to improve infrastructure, promote local arts and crafts and enhance recreational facilities for residents and visitors alike.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Niamh Kennedy added, ‘I want to congratulate Coiste Forbartha na Carraige, Cairde le Cheile and Awake Tourism for their unwavering commitment to their localities and I have no doubt that in telling their stories the judging panel have left Donegal feeling inspired. Their cohesive approach to community development certainly nurtures civic responsibility and pride of place for Donegal’.
John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council said, ‘It has been a pleasure for Donegal County Council to work with Cairde le Cheile, Coiste Forbartha na Carraige and Awake Tourism over the years and to witness the growth of these communities in building social cohesion and inclusivity. All three groups are outstanding and are very worthy nominations to represent our County at the Pride of Place Awards’.
The highly anticipated results of the Pride of Place Competition 2024 will be revealed at a gala award event at the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan on November 2nd, where the participating groups will celebrate their achievements alongside their fellow communities.
