Donegal scoops top prizes in competition

Co-operation Ireland/Irish Public Bodies Pride of Place Awards Ceremony 2017
Representatives from Comharchumann Forbartha Gaoth Dobhair,
(Gweedore Co-operative),Co. Donegal, receive their award. Included are Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland; Tom Dowling, Chairperson, Pride of Place, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Gerry McMonagle and ; Michael Garvey, CEO IPB Insurance.
Photo Lorcan Doherty

Donegal took away a total of three awards at the IPB Pride of Place Awards in association with Co-operation Ireland. The winners were announced last night at a gala awards ceremony in the Mount Errigle Letterkenny. The awards acknowledge the achievements and the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

Comharchumann Forbartha Gaoth Dobhair won top prize in Category seven, which is for Creative Place Initiatives.

In their remarks about Comharchumann Forbartha Gaoth Dobhair, the judges said “This fantastic self-sustaining initiative in existence for many years is the very essence of what a creative place is in this part of Ireland. Built on the culture of its place and over many years with excellent leadership and the wonderful natural talent of its many famous people, this creative place developed a revival of its cultural heritage and now generates income, provides employment and a renowned location for traditional music, singing, spoken word and drama.“

Co-operation Ireland/Irish Public Bodies Pride of Place Awards Ceremony 2017
Representatives from Letterkenny Youth & Family Services, Co. Donegal, receive their award. Included are Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland; Tom Dowling, Chairperson, Pride of Place, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Gerry McMonagle and ; Michael Garvey, CEO IPB Insurance.
Photo Lorcan Doherty

Letterkenny Youth & Family Services took runner up prize in category eight, which is for Community Reaching Out Initiatives and Tory Island also took runner up prize in category 10,Islands and Coastal Communities.

During the ceremony 49 awards were announced in the main competition, the cities competition and special awards, ranging from groups supporting small rural communities to those involved in large inner city housing estates. Donegal County Council hosted the evening and celebrated Irish musicians Donal Lunney and Paddy Glackin entertained the audience before the winners were announced. RTE presenter Aengus MacGrianna was MC for the ceremony, which was attended by over 800 people.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 15 years ago through a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by communities and groups across the island of Ireland. It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements.

Co-operation Ireland/Irish Public Bodies Pride of Place Awards Ceremony 2017
Representatives from Tory Island, Co. Donegal, receive their award. Included are Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland; Tom Dowling, Chairperson, Pride of Place, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Gerry McMonagle and ; Michael Garvey, CEO IPB Insurance.
Photo Lorcan Doherty

The winners were presented with their awards by Minister Joe McHugh TD, Government Chief Whip & Minister of State for Gaeilge, An Ghaeltacht and the Islands, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Gerry McMonagle, Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland, Michael McGreal, Vice Chair IPB Insurance and Tom Dowling, Chairperson, Pride of Place Committee.

Tom Dowling, Chairperson of IPB Pride of Place Competition said
“This unique competition is about showing respect and inclusion for every sector in our communities, young, old, rich or poor and creating communities to which the people are proud to say they belong”. He added that he was delighted that this year’s gala ceremony was being held in Donegal.

Peter Sheridan, Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland said
“The Pride of Place Awards ceremony is an ideal opportunity for organisations to come together and learn from each other. This will be important as we prepare for the inevitable changes Brexit will bring to the island of Ireland. This evening, we have witnessed some of the finest examples of people working together to create a positive future and we all must continue to build on this so that Irish society as a whole can benefit. I congratulate everyone who was nominated but I extend special congratulations to those groups who were triumphant this evening”.

Michael Garvey, Chief Executive Officer of title sponsor IPB Insurance, reaffirmed his company’s support for the competition, he said
“The IPB Pride of Place awards is an ideal platform to recognise the positive social impacts being made in communities across the island of Ireland. I would like to take this opportunity to commend all the communities involved for their spirit of collaboration and camaraderie in making it to the finals. It is also important to recognise the role of local authorities across the island of Ireland who work closely with their communities to support inspiring voluntary initiatives. These awards serve as one of the important ways that we can recognise those involved in working to make a difference in society”.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Gerry McMonagle said “I am delighted that Donegal has been chosen to host of this prestigious awards ceremony and that we welcomed over 800 people to celebrate and recognise the wonderful contribution that community groups make to life in their own local areas all across the island of Ireland. This has been a great opportunity to showcase what Donegal has to offer and I hope all our visitors have had a wonderful experience and that they bring home with them fond memories of their trip to Donegal.”

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