Three community groups nominated for prestigious award

Banbridge District Youth Council has been nominated in the ‘Age Friendly Community Initiative’ category, Richmount Rural Community Association in the ‘Communities Reaching Out Initiative’ category, and Keady Community, Cultural and Festival Group has been nominated in the ‘2,000-5,000 Population’ category.

Speaking about the nominations, Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Paul Greenfield, said: “These awards present the Council with an opportunity to recognise the excellent work these groups carry out across our borough. Our three nominations reflect the diversity and quality of work which is being undertaken by local people who wish to show pride in their place.”

Judges from Co-operation Ireland recently visited the borough in order to meet representatives from the groups and learn about the positive impact their work has had on local people and their communities.

Banbridge District Youth Council offers a voice to young people in the wider Banbridge area.

The group encourage young people to have their voice heard.

Over the past few years the Youth Council has researched and consulted young people on a wide range of issues including education and careers; policing and community safety issues; town centre planning; good relations; and using their vote in local elections.

Keady Community, Cultural and Festival Group was formed in 2012 to revive the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Keady, Co Armagh and has successfully organised St. Patrick’s Day parades, Halloween events, Christmas events, national and civic events in Keady for the last four years.

Events are well attended and attract thousands of people from around the local area.

Richmount Rural Community Association is based in the village of Scotch Street outside Portadown.

It provides comprehensive services for the local community and is heavily involved in wider community development issues.

It has developed its own community hub with community hall, pre-school facility and community gardens.

Now in its fourteenth year, the IPB Pride of Place competition continues to grow in terms of its prestige and popularity. Run by Co-operation Ireland, the competition’s purpose is to acknowledge the fantastic work being done by communities all over the island of Ireland.