Pride of Place prizes for Monkstown and Mayfield

More than 800 people from across the island filled the venue to hear the winners announced by RTE’s Ciana Campbell.

Monkstown Community Association took the runner up place in the Young People in the Community Initiative category, while the Mayfield /Glengormley group won the runner up spot in the Urban Neighbourhoods category.

The Pride of Place Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of people who work tirelessly to create pride in their local area and a better place for local residents.

Forty-three groups, ranging from those in small rural communities to groups in inner-city housing estates, took winning or runner up positions in the main and cities competitions. A further six groups received Special Awards, while one local authority received a special Council Award.

Each year, practically every local authority on the island of Ireland nominates groups for doing exceptional work in their communities. This year 102 groups were nominated by their respective local authority.

A panel of highly experienced judges visited every nominated group and then selected the winners and runners up.

Since the first Pride of Place competition 13 years ago, thousands of people have been recognised for the outstanding contribution they make to Irish society.

Tom Dowling, founder of the event and Chair of the Pride of Place Committee said: “Even after 13 years, I and the rest of the judges continue to be amazed at how communities from all over the island demonstrate their amazing capacity to care for the people in their communities and respect their heritage, culture and environment.

“I also pay particular thanks to the local authorities all over the island of Ireland, Co-operation Ireland and IPB Insurance for their ongoing support for this unique community competition.”