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Community Pride in Abundance!
Judging for the 2018 Pride of Place Competition took place in Mayo on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th August 2018.
"Pride of Place is an annual all-island competition organised by Co-operation Ireland IPB Insurance and the Local Authorities. The purpose of the competition is to acknowledge the work being done every day by communities all over the island of Ireland. It is based on communities demonstrating to the judges their pride of place through presentations, exhibitions of community activities and culture and a tour highlighting the aspects of which they are particularly proud. It is also important that the community demonstrates real partnership with their local council and shows inclusiveness across the community" says Spokesperson and Head of Community Engagement for Mayo County Council, Ms Síofra Kilcullen.
Pride of Place Judges conducted a site visit to each of the three community groups put forward for the competition by Mayo County Council. Balla in the population category, Erris Branch Irish Wheelchair Association in the Community and Wellbeing category and the Céide Coast in the Community Tourism category. The site visits consisted of presentations by representatives of the achievements of their community and tours of the key projects and areas. Unsurprisingly, in addition to incredibly polished presentations our highly creative Mayo communities treated the unsuspecting judges to a few surprises, including being abducted by General Humbert in Killala, dancing with Strawboys in Belmullet and meeting fairy children in the woods in Balla!
Over the two days the Judges did not conceal their admiration for the incredible displays of the three shortlisted communities. John Briggs, one of the judges commented on the ‘enthusiasm, commitment and innovation shown' whilst Blaise Tracey acknowledged the unparalleled quality of the presentations and the incredible effort put in by the participating communities.
The winners will be announced in each category at an Awards Ceremony in Cork City Hall on 17th November 2018.
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