DUBLIN took four of the top prizes in a competition that recognises and celebrates the vital contributions that community partnerships make to society.
The All-Island Pride of Place Awards were announced at the gala ceremony in Derry last Saturday week (November 16)
Harold’s Cross Community Council received the top award in Category 2 of the Cities Competition, which is for communities with a population of more than 1,000 people.
Localise – The Garden of Hope, Dublin, also received one of only two Special Awards in the Cities Competition.
St Mark’s Community Garden, South Dublin, received the runner-up prize in Category 2 (population between 200 and 500) people in the Main Competition, while DraÃocht in Blanchardstown got runner-up in Category 7 in the main competition, which is a Single Issue category for Community Arts Initiatives.
Speaking about Harold’s Cross Community Council, the judges said they were impressed at the outset by an interesting and engaging presentation.
“It became immediately apparent that here was a well organised and efficient group,
? the judges said.
“A key message from them was the interdependence between the business sector and the community working together to make this a vibrant community to which residents and commuters alike are attracted.
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The judges said Localise’s Garden of Hope project was about identifying opportunity and seizing the moment.
“It was also about transforming a space into a tranquil haven for the residents of a local hostel,
? the judges stated.
“A triumph of organisation, the work in the garden was done by students and overseen by a landscape gardener.
“One hundred and fifty volunteers completed the work over a very short period of 10 days.
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