IPB Pride Of Place Mayo Nominations 2024
Date: 20-08-2024
Pride of Place judging for the 2024 IPB Pride of Place Competition in Mayo took place on the 7th and 8th of August 2024.
IPB Pride of Place Competition in association with Co-operation Ireland, is an all-island competition organised by Co-operation Ireland and the Local Authorities. The purpose of the competition is to acknowledge the work being done every day by communities all over the island of Ireland.
Mayo County Council nominated three groups for Pride of Place 2024. The Groups are:
- Inisturk Island - Category 11 – Community Tourism Initiative
- Louisburgh Community - Category 4 – Population 2,000 to 5,000
- Ballina Karen Community Garden - Category 9 – Inclusive Communities
Judges Declan Nelson and Katrina Murphy received a warm welcome in Louisburgh on the 7th August. As nominees in the population 2,000 to 5,000 category, it provided the Louisburgh community with the opportunity to highlight and showcase all events and activities in the area and the positive impact for those living in Louisburgh and the surrounding area.
Members of Beach Clean Up, Louisburgh Scouts, Mná na Mara and Louisburgh Horseshow gathered at Carrowmore Beach to welcome the Judges. Declan Nelson opened the event by highlighting the goal of Pride of Place competition which is to celebrate communities that unite to enhance their environment and quality of life for all who live there.
In a packed visit the judges were introduced to the many members of volunteer’s groups, e.g. Beach Clean Up, Louisburgh Men’s Shed, Louisburgh Heritage Group, GAA, LGFA, Louisburgh Meals on Wheels and Order of Malta at various locations along the way. The route for judges incorporated theme’s including Community Wellbeing, Heritage, Youth and Sport, Sustainability, Arts and Culture, Intergenerational and Age Action and Health.
The judges were treated to a host of entertainment on the Square with traditional music and Irish dancing. The streets were lined with people and markets. Councillor Chris Maxwell said “I am overwhelmed by the commitment and dedication of all volunteers within each
agency/ community group, they go above and beyond to have a positive impact on those living in Louisburgh. I am delighted and proud to show the judges the strong community involvement and community action projects we have here in Louisburgh. I wish all involved the best of luck for the awards”.
Judges were also scheduled to visit Inisturk, however bad weather warnings forced this visit to be postponed until September.
Mayo’s second visit was to the Ballina Karen Community Green Garden on the 8th August. Judges on the day were Katrina Murphy and Tom Dowling.
The Ballina Karen Community Garden was founded in early 2008 by a Community Integration Officer working with the Burmese Karen Programme Refugees in Mayo. The land for the garden was donated by Bishop John Fleming, providing an opportunity for the newly arrived Karen families to grow their own food and facilitate their integration into Ballina. Supported by local volunteers since its inception, the garden has grown from humble beginnings into a wonderful, inclusive project, celebrating and promoting organic growing, biodiversity, and community diversity.
The garden now welcomes migrants and refugees from across the globe, from Ukraine to Ghana, Myanmar to Botswana, as well as service users from disability groups, youth organisations and schools. The focus is as much on growing community and friendships as it is on growing food.
Cathaoirleach John O’Hara praised the initiative “the work of its volunteers and the difference and positive impact this project has made to those being welcomed to Ballina is exceptional”. He commended the project as outstanding and highlighed the commitment from all volunteers.
Deirdre Finnerty, Head of Community who accompanied the judges expressed gratitude to all groups nominated for Pride of Place 2024, “we as a Local Authority are extremely grateful to all the groups and volunteers who brought judges on their tour in such a vibrant, informative, and friendly manner. We are aware that a lot of preparation goes into to preparing for the judging and I acknowledge and thank them for their work. Wishing everyone success for awards in November”