Five participating community initiatives from Donegal will be heading to the IPB Pride of Place Gala Awards in the Waterfront in Belfast on 26th November where approximately 1000 people from across the island of Ireland will gather to hear the winners of the 2016 competition. This event is being hosted by Belfast City Council who promise a weekend of excitement to their visitors from all over Ireland.
The Pride of Place Competition is hosted by Cooperation Ireland under its Local Authority Programme which highlights their commitment to supporting active community groups to undertake initiatives to improve their communities and regions. Donegal County Council nominates five community initiatives to a maximum of five categories and only one entry in any individual category. The Pride of Place Competition is unique as it specifically recognizes the involvement of the local community in all aspects of rural and urban regeneration, including promoting social cohesion, heritage and environmental awareness.
A panel of highly experienced judges visited the Donegal groups in September as part of the all-island judging process. The judges were highly impressed by the professionalism and quality of the groups’ organisational skills and continuous development in their respective areas.
An Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Terence Slowey, this week said that “Donegal County Council is proud to be associated with the All Island Pride of Place Awards and with what it represents. I firmly believe that it is essential that we recognize communities and the thousands of volunteers across the island of Ireland that give of themselves selflessly every day. It is clear that working together and getting things done increases peoples’ pride in where they live and in turn helps build vibrant communities. I wish our five community groups all the best in the upcoming awards in Belfast and that they are winners already!”
The Community Initiatives representing Donegal in the 2016 IPB Pride of Place Awards Competition are Glan agus Glas Falcarragh, Ballyshannon Regeneration Group, Letterkenny Youth and Family Service, Good Morning service Donegal and Coiste Forbartha Dhobhair in Ionad Naomh Pádraig.
Séamus Neely, CE of Donegal County Council states that “All those nominated epitomise the sense of community spirit that can be seen all across Donegal and the whole of Ireland, with people committed to creating positive civic change in their respective communities. Cooperation Ireland are to be congratulated for giving national fame to those who deserve it and Donegal are proud of all the participants and great successes in this prestigious competition since 2007”.
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