BALLYFERMOT was just one of the Dublin community groups that were honoured at the annual IPB Pride of Place awards held in Cork City Hall recently.
The suburb was the winner of the Urban Neighborhoods/Villages with a population over 2,000 category, with the 4th Port Dodder Sea Scout Group in Ringsend runners up in the Communities Reaching Out Initiative.
Other Southside groups that picked up an award included Muintir Chrónáin – Áras Chrónáin, the winner of the Creative Place Initiative Category, with the St Mark’s Parish (Youth Club) Tallaght runners up in the Urban Neighbourhoods category.
Muintir Chrónain is a community-based voluntary organisation that aims to promote the Irish language and all aspects of Irish culture, education, music and dance in the wider Clondalkin and South Dublin area.
Judges said about Muintir Chrónáin – Áras Chrónáin: “It became almost immediately clear that this group engages with and enjoys the wide support of the local people. This is crucial to their success and apart from pursuing a cultural mission statement the group is actively involved in many local activities.
“This is achieved through the hard work and dedication of a large number of local volunteers. (They win their award) for their unstinting work in promoting the Irish language and culture and being such a vibrant, active part of daily living in the community.”
Members of the Southside groups joined with 800 community heroes from across the country at the awards which are operated in association with peace building charity Co-operation Ireland.
The other big winners on the night, Ballyfermot, were described by the judges as communicating a strong sense of belonging and pride in the people of their place.
“To celebrate their 70th birthday several community groups and organisations have come together to organise a host of events during this year,” the judges noted.
“Books have been published, plays and sketches written, and films and documentaries produced. Environmental improvements have been carried out and a series of commemorative flags have been put up.
“A successful men’s shed has been established and a special project this year featured an exhibition of Community Women leaders from the area. These numerous activities and events are held for all age groups from preschool children to the elderly in a truly inclusive community celebration.”
The Pride of Place awards, described as the ‘Oscars of the Community Sector’, celebrate the often unsung work of community groups that selflessly work to make local neighbourhoods a better place to live in, work in or visit.
Organised by Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place awards sees the country’s local authorities, on both sides of the border, nominate outstanding projects that contribute to civic pride.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mick Finn, said the gala evening was a unique opportunity to recognise the invaluable efforts of those who glue our communities together.