An unprecedented five community led projects have been shortlisted for adjudication in this year’s Pride of Place competition, one of the country’s most prestigious competitions which honours community excellence.

These All-Ireland awards are organised by the peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland in association with Irish Public Bodies (IPB) and is a collaboration between local authorities across the island of Ireland.  It aims to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that communities make to society along with generating awareness, respect and inclusion for every facet of society.  

Roscommon County Council, through its  Community Development Department, has been to the fore in supporting applicants in the adjudication process. Their work, collaborating with local communities, is to empower communities to maximise the use of their resources and amenities.

This year’s nominees reflect the rich community diversity and voluntary excellence that exists within the county. Nominations have been received in categories as diverse as community well-being, creative communities, climate action and biodiversity, for a population serving up to three hundred people and for communities served with a population of 5,000 people or more.

Shortlisted in the aforementioned population category of five thousand or more, the Roscommon Underwater Search and Recovery Club was formed in 1985 as the Dolphin Sub Aqua Club. The club provides vital search and recovery services across Roscommon and the wider Midlands region.

An innovative project, the Curraghboy QR Code Litter Project is the culmination of a unique collaboration between Curraghboy Tidy Towns Committee and Curraghboy National School. This project has been nominated in the Climate Action and Biodiversity category.

The Roscommon Women’s Network Cycle Up at the Riverside Centre in Athleague has been recognised in the Creative Communities category. Led by Roscommon Women’s Network, Cycle Up is a creative social enterprise addressing climate action and biodiversity through innovative textile upcycling.

Nominated as a Community Wellbeing Initiative, Roscommon Men’s Choir is an inclusive, non-auditioned community choir uniting over sixty men across the county through music, fostering mental wellbeing and reducing social isolation, performing concerts for many charitable causes.

Nominated in the category for communities with a population of three hundred people or less, The Abbey' Housing Estate, Cloontuskert is a vibrant rural community rooted in heritage and resilience which has evolved into a hub of cultural and community activity.

Last year, the Monksland Community Development Project was successful in receiving national recognition at a special awards ceremony in the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan last November. Project members later received their award at a Civic Reception in the Roscommon Arts Centre.

Speaking ahead of the adjudication process, Cathriona MacCarthy, Community Development, Roscommon County Council, congratulated all of the nominees on their success to date.

“It is testament to the strong level of community engagement and collaboration in our county that our communities continue to flourish and prosper. This is thanks to the unsung and heroic efforts of our volunteers, who support the communities, where they live, with such dedication.

“Roscommon County Council is delighted to support our five nominees for this year’s prestigious Pride of Place competition, a most sought-after accolade which rewards excellence in communities across the island of Ireland.

“We are looking forward to bringing the judges to each of our locations next week where they are sure to be impressed by the wonderful level of engagement, they will see for themselves”, said Ms. MacCarthy.