Cork community groups were among the winners at the annual IPB Pride of Place awards held on Cork City Hall on Saturday evening (November 17).
Douglas Street in Cork City was awarded top prize in the Best Urban Neighbourhood/Village with a population under 100 category, with Cork Street Pastors also honoured with a Special Award for their work on the streets of the city.
Judges said Douglas Street "demonstrated what can be achieved when the traders, the council and the community work in partnership", while the Cork Street Pastors were praised for "the impact that well trained, multi-denominational volunteers are having on the safety of a city, with their work being widely acknowledged and used as a model for other cities to follow".
Meanwhile, Youghal was a runner up in the Best Town with population over 5,000 category.
Members of the groups joined with 800 community heroes from across the country at the awards which are operated in association with peace building charity Co-operation Ireland.
The Pride of Place awards, described as the ‘Oscars of the Community Sector’, celebrates the often unsung work of community groups that selflessly work to make local neighbourhoods a better place to live in, work in or visit.
Organised by Co-Operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place awards sees the country’s local authorities, on both sides of the border, nominate outstanding projects that contribute to civic pride.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mick Finn said: “Cork has a strong tradition of volunteerism and community action and we are delighted to be partners in the Pride of Place competition. The Gala Awards evening is a unique opportunity to celebrate the best in community development and recognises the invaluable efforts of those who glue our communities together”.
Tom Dowling, Chairperson of Pride of Place, expressed his delight “that after 16 years the competition continues to embed itself in the very heart of the Island of Ireland's communities and gives them the opportunity to highlight the proud and amazing achievements of their place directly to the judges. I wish them continued success.”
Peter Sheridan Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland said: “Pride of Place deserves its position as one of the most prestigious community awards on the island of Ireland and Co-operation Ireland is delighted that it continues to go from strength to strength.
“From Donegal through Northern Ireland and in counties all the way to Cork, communities have been reaping the rewards of the hard work carried out by the community groups who make Pride of Place what it is.”
Chairman of IPB Insurance George Jones said: “Pride of Place is an important platform as it recognises those who give freely of their time to make where they come from a better place to live and work. It is clear that working together and getting things done increases people’s pride in where they live and in turn helps build vibrant sustainable communities.”
