A prestigious new community award initiative was launched this week, by Cllr. Enda Bonner, Mayor of Donegal. Donegal County Council will this year host the first ever “County Pride of Place” Competition. The winners of this competition will then go forward to represent Donegal in the All-Island Pride of Place Competition.
Pride of Place is a competition, which celebrates and showcases community group activities and contributions to society. The focus is on people, coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. Too often, the tremendous time and effort that people put into community activities on a purely voluntary basis is overlooked. This competition is unique in that it recognises and rewards people for their vital contribution to their local community.
Donegal Mayor, Cllr. Enda Bonner stated that “‘Pride of Place’ is a very prestigious award and recognises the great work of people in our community who very often do not seek recognition for the fruits of their labour. These awards are a great source of motivation for many communities and can give a boost and inspiration to others who wish to achieve something similar”.
County Manager, Michael McLoone stated that “Donegal County Council has long been aware of the substantial efforts of community groups whose activities enable key societal functions, which would otherwise be absent. It is therefore important that Donegal County Council should take a lead role to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that community groups make to society”.
Michael O’hÉanaigh, Director if Community, Culture and Enterprise in Donegal County Council stated that “The Pride of Place initiative fits closely with Donegal County Council’s strong emphasis on Community Development and the development of community capacity, activity and infrastructure. This type of initiative can complement, consolidate and add value to our involvement and engagement with the broad community sector in Donegal and it recognises the importance of the Community Development sector for Donegal County Council and the Donegal County Development Board. Community members give great time and commitment to advancing local initiatives and working for their local area. It is right that they should be given some recognition.”
Although the All-Island Pride of Place Competition was initiated in 2003, Donegal first became involved in the competition in 2005. The communities, which have been involved to date, have found the competition to be a very positive experience and have benefited greatly from their involvement. Cairde le Cheile, which received a prize in 2005 were greatly encouraged by the experience and the added momentum that was given to this important project through their participation in this initiative. Taobh Tire was awarded a special category award in 2006 recognising the importance of this project in ensuring the sustainability of small communities.
If community groups are currently involved in any activity, which gives people a reason to be proud of their local area, the advice is to get involved now. So, come on, take pride in your place and lend your support now.
Application forms and further details for Donegal Pride of Place 2007 initiative are available from the Community, Culture & Enterprise Directorate, Donegal County Council, Station Island, Lifford, Co. Donegal. Tel: 074 91 72 531
If you wish to find out more about the national competition, please go to:
http://prideofplace.cooperation.org
Notes for Editor: The National competition is hosted by Co-operation Ireland under its Local Authority Programme, in conjunction with the all-island Local Authority Steering Forum, comprising officials from Local Authorities both North and South.